> Linux won't stop you if you try to use a command that deletes every file on your PC ("sudo rm -rf /").
It will definitely stop you from running that command because of "--preserve-root" that is enabled by default, if you want to break your system you have to opt out of it. Just don't try to put an asterisk after, pathname expansion will be a different case ("rm -rf /*").
alias rm='rm -i'
alias cp='cp -i'
alias mv='mv -i'
"rm -if" never prompts, "rm -fi" prompts. --preserve-root is an entirely different thing which will stop the command from deleting files even if you told it to.
$ sudo rm -ri /
rm: it is dangerous to operate recursively on '/'
rm: use --no-preserve-root to override this failsafe
Until you come across a system old enough that the coreutils' rm doesn't have that safeguard. And that is how I accidentally'd my OLPC XO's Fedora install.
TBF, this safeguard has never saved me, being careful saved me. You can afford to take the time to be careful, because writing the powershell equivalent is probably at least ten times longer (just kidding, or am I?), and clicking buttons in the file explorer is a hundred times longer. Always write the "-rf" after writing the path! I never run rsync without a dry-run, too, even without --delete.
I'm a developer, so I'm techy enough how to look up what I don't know, but I would never recommend this to someone who struggles with technology.
Kernel antic heat is frustrating but usually its games where I feel like I won't lose anything if I don't play it.
That aside, the Windows API is one of the most godawful, miserable pieces of code I've ever had to work with. I've been up to my neck in WinRT writing Bluetooth drivers and holy fuck I wouldn't wish this misery on anyone. I don't know how any developer or engineer ever gets anything done on Windows.
Last job let me use Linux where it mattered most, and new job doesn't care so long as the work is done. I don't think I'll accept a job anywhere that requires Windows in the future. There is just plain and simple no feasible way to do my work on Windows anymore.
jqpabc123•1h ago
In other words, you've found a new hobby along with your new operating system.
And that's OK --- but not everyone is looking for a hobby.
maxwellsdeamons•3m ago