Repairing boot managers and more in Linux and Windows
Linux Lucky Bag
The Expert Tools (+) menu item takes you to some basic tools that are available in many other distributions. They include Boot Repair [8] to repair Linux computers that fail to launch (Figure 5), OS Uninstaller [9] for uninstalling Windows or Linux from your drive (Figure 6), the well-known Gparted [10] partitioning tool, and the popular partitioning and data rescue tools Testdisk [11] and Photorec [12].
If All Else Fails
Wherever it makes sense, Rescatux creates a logfile and stores it on the desktop of the target computer. The Support (+) button takes you to useful options that let you put these logfiles to good use in a partially automated troubleshooting process. Show log lets you view the logfiles.
The Share log option copies the contents of a log to a pastebin [13], a web application that assigns a URL to the text. In this way, you can post the logfile on IRC without flooding the chat room with text. In combination with the Chat menu item, which takes Rescatux users seeking help directly to the project's chat room, this is a useful aid.
Additionally, you can select Share log on forum to create an interactive problem description, to which Rescatux adds the URL of the log in the pastebin. However, the developers still need to put in a bit more work here, because so far you can only select the Ubuntu forum.
The Boot Info Script menu takes you to a script with the same name [14] that collects all relevant information for solving boot problems. If you need help, your best option is to post its output on forums or in chat rooms along with the logfiles.
Future
The Rescapp GUI is currently not particularly pretty, but it serves its purpose without complaint. With a few mouse clicks, it sets repair processes in motion that only experienced users could otherwise reproduce manually.
In an interview, the Spanish developer Adrián Gibanel explained that he is currently revamping the Rescapp menus visually and reorganizing them in the process (Figure 7). His aim is fewer mouse clicks and a more modern look (Figure 8). Moreover, Gibanel is testing a move to the new LXQt [15] desktop environment as the underpinnings of the distribution.
« Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs