Tips to Make Ubuntu Boot Faster

Ubuntu is pushing the Linux desktop movement forward. Since it’s inception in 2004, Ubuntu has released over 10 versions so far, each one improving on its predecessor. It remains one of those few operating systems, that boots really fast. Still, if you are one of those brave hackers who likes to tune your machine to maximize efficiency, here are a few tricks on how to make Ubuntu boot faster.
Word of caution: These tune ups have been tested on Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Haron. I haven’t upgraded it as it has been pretty solid and stable release. So if you’re on a newer(or older) version, I suggest you do some research before applying these tricks. And of course, always keep back ups. Have Fun!

quivalent of UNIX Grep command in Dos/Windows

You can use the ‘type’ and ‘find’ command in Dos/Windows to get the equivalent output of the UNIX ‘cat’ and ‘grep’ commands. The ‘find’ command can be very useful when you are trying to search for a specific text or phrase over multiple files. The ‘find’ command also comes in handy when searching for all the occurrences of a specific text or phrase in all the files under all the sub-directories of a given directory.

The Type Command

The ‘type’ command in Dos simply displays the contents of a text file or files. To see the content of a file simply enter the following in the command prompt:
C:>type “filename”

List of useful and frequently used DOS Commands

This list of DOS commands is very useful when repairing Windows after a system crash when Windows doesn’t load and the only option you have is a Dos command prompt. Use the “help” command to find the usage and details of any particular command e.g. C:\>help copy

• CHDIR – Displays the name of or changes the current directory.
• CHKDSK – Checks a disk and displays a status report.
• CLS – Clears the screen.
• COMP – Compares two groups of files to find information that does not match.
• COPY – Copies and appends files.
• DATE – Displays and/or sets the system date.
• DEFRAG – Optimizes disk performance by reorganizing the files on the disk.
• DEL – Deletes files from disk.
• DELTREE – Deletes a directory including all files and subdirectories that are in it.
• DIR – Displays directory of files and directories stored on disk.
• DISKCOMP – Compares the contents of two diskettes.

Minimize the start up time of your Windows computer

If your computer is taking too long to start up and you want to minimize that time then here is a tip as to how you can control the applications that Windows starts at Startup time and make your computer boot fast. You don’t have to be a computer expert for this either.

To put it simply… at startup Windows goes through a list that has all the application names that it will start. Many of those applications you don’t use or need at startup time like Yahoo Messenger and etc. You can modify the startup application list on your own cause if you need an application later you can always start it manually. In the end your computer will startup quicker. For example you can always start ‘Msn messenger’ later when you want to chat with your friends/family, no reason for Windows to start it at startup at every Windows boot. It will also make your computer run faster as those applications are not taking the system resources anymore