Ubuntu 9.04 Cleanup With Computer Janitor
Posted by beginlinux on May 14, 2009
Computer Janitor
The idea behind Computer Janitor is that it will help you clean up those files that you no longer need, thus saving space on your computer. Now, before you begin…note that this program has the potential of doing damage if used incorrectly so be sure your critical data is backed up.
Here is a list of .deb packages that were used to install applications. These .deb packages are no longer needed so Computer Janitor is saying they can be removed. Click the “Cleanup” button and they are removed. If you have doubts about what it wants to remove simply uncheck the box for that item.
When you click the remove you see this warning.
This is a frustrating warning. You as a user are trusting the Computer Janitor to find those files which can be cleaned up and the warning says “It will be your fault if Computer Janitor toasts your system.” I think the developers put this in because it did toast so many systems in the previous Ubuntu release. If you check the number of rants about this program you will probably decide it is not worth taking the chance.
Summary:
Avoid this program as you will end up being one of those angry at losing programs you are using. This application does not seem to be as mature as it should be in a release.
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HowtoMatrix » Ubuntu 9.04 Cleanup With Computer Janitor said
[...] Ubuntu 9.04 Cleanup With Computer Janitor Posted by suvi under Desktop, Ubuntu Computer Janitor The idea behind Computer Janitor is that it will help you clean up those files that you no longer need, thus saving space on your computer. Now, before you begin…note that this program has the potential of doing damage if used incorrectly so be sure your critical data is backed up. Read more at Begin Linux Blog [...]
tay65536 said
>Avoid this program
How true!
> Here is a list of .deb packages that were used to install applications. These .deb packages are no longer needed so Computer Janitor is saying they can be removed.
That’s what i thought when i first saw this new Janitor app after upgrading to 9.04. Ubuntu is friendly and safe, i thought. For once, I can proceed without learning the details of the program… Cleanup! — i click, and voila: Janitor happily *uninstalls* Truecrypt, Beyond Compare and XmlCopyEditor for me.
I’m lucky, though. I can get these applications back without much hassle, so the lesson was not too expensive for me. Do not trust, and you won’t be betrayed.
hellocatfood said
It happily uninstalled Songbird, Yo Frankie and probably some other stuff for me. I so wont be using it again!
Rodrigo said
To me, he offers to uninstall dropbox . . .
PR_FM said
really avoid using it , i used it then it removed some packages that netbeans IDE needed them
poltiser said
I love this program! But…
1. to avoid removing necessary dependencies one needs a description of programs related to them…
2. it would be easier if there were 3 columns: program, list of programs in need of it, check box – remove or keep; maybe other columns to describe the origin and location of the file
Best regards
Vineet said
useless program … uninstalled skype and a couple of libraries ….
extra hassle for no gain whatsoever …
Dominique said
Had the same problem! Posted my experiences at http://ubuntuliving.blogspot.com/2009/08/careful-with-janitor.html
Also linked to your blog.
Careful with the Janitor… | TuxWire : The Linux Blog said
[...] Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels this way. [...]