[NTLUG:Discuss] rm doesn't recurse

[Steve Baker]

Lance Simmons wrote:
> * Robert Citek <rwcitek at alum.calberkeley.org> [040507 12:39]:
> 
>>After all, in linux, when a file is removed, it's gone for good.
> 
> 
> There are some file recovery utilities for ext2 filesystems.  I don't
> know of any recovery tools for journaling filesystems such as ext3 or
> reiserfs.

File recovery tools are OK in simple systems like DOS machines - but
they tend to fail badly when other processes are running in background.

You can only undelete something if the space it once occupied hasn't
been re-used.   When the only things that write to disk are commands
that you personally typed, undelete works passably well - but when there
are who-knows-what background activities....all bets are off.

Linux is a multiuser/multitasking system.   If you get into the habit
of relying on 'undelete' tools, you'll soon find yourself in deep
trouble.   It's better to teach yourself "when it's going - it's gone"
and adapt your work practices accordingly.

---------------------------- Steve Baker -------------------------
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