AutoFsck
Size: 8168
Comment:
|
Size: 11155
Comment:
|
Deletions are marked like this. | Additions are marked like this. |
Line 2: | Line 2: |
'''Please consider supporting AutoFsck by reading, and possibly signing the petition at the bottom of this page.''' |
|
Line 13: | Line 15: |
And this is what it looks like: attachment:AutoFsck25.png |
|
Line 19: | Line 17: |
At present, AutoFsck only works on Ubuntu, (not kubuntu and xubuntu). More specifically, AutoFsck requires you to be using GDM (the Gnome Display Manger) to log in. You can use any window manager or desktop environment (Gnome, KDE, Openbox, IceWM etc) so long as you are logging in through GDM. Consequently, AutoFsck will work on Ubuntu derivatives which use Gnome (or at least GDM) such as Edubuntu or Ubuntu Studio. |
At present, AutoFsck works on Ubuntu and derivatives (for example kubuntu and xubuntu). More specifically, AutoFsck requires you to be using either GDM (the Gnome Display Manger) or KDM (the KDE Display Manager) to log in. You can use any window manager or desktop environment (Gnome, KDE, Openbox, IceWM etc) so long as you are logging in through GDM or KDM (for example Xubuntu uses GDM). |
Line 24: | Line 22: |
[attachment:autofsck_2.5-1_all.deb Click here to download AutoFsck v2.5] - see below for installation instructions. | [attachment:autofsck_3.2-1_all.deb Click here to download AutoFsck v3.2] - see below for installation instructions. |
Line 26: | Line 24: |
You can also download the script on its own. This is only intended for people who need to customise AutoFsck, do not download this unless you know what you are doing. [attachment:AutoFsck2.5-script Click here] to download AutoFsck 2.5 script. | See the AutoFsck v3.2 documentation at ["AutoFsck/Doc"] If you wish to be notified of new releases, please subscribe to the AutoFsck announcements list at: http://www.flamingfatherland.org/software/autofsck/subscribe.php?action=signup You can also download the script as a tar.gz. This is only intended for people who need to customise AutoFsck, do not download this unless you know what you are doing. [attachment:AutoFsck3.2-script.tar.gz Click here] to download AutoFsck v3.2 script. |
Line 30: | Line 33: |
Installing AutoFsck V2.5 is easy - you can install over the top of AutoFsck 2.0 or later: | Installing AutoFsck v3.2 is easy - you can install over the top of AutoFsck 2.0 or later: |
Line 38: | Line 41: |
* Note that during the install, the terminal window in gdebi may ask whether you want to keep your version, or use the new version of the configuration file autofsckrc, it is recommended that you keep your version. |
|
Line 39: | Line 44: |
'''Please Note: -''' This package requires the installation of a small program called beep which is in the universe repository, so you'll need universe enabled to continue. If you're running 7.04 (feisty), go to System --> Administration --> Software Sources, enter your password, and make sure there's a tick in the box labelled 'Community-maintained Open Source software (universe)'. If you're not using 7.04, ask Google what to do, something like 'enable universe ubuntu 6.10'. |
|
Line 44: | Line 47: |
Changing the frequency of the checks is quite easily done from the command line, but for those of you who like a nice graphical user interface, here's a little script that'll do it for you. | Changing the frequency of the checks is now done through the AutoFsck configuration GUI, see ["AutoFsck/Doc"] for more information. |
Line 46: | Line 49: |
[attachment:AutoFsck_SetFreq Click here to download the AutoFsck check frequency script.] | == Troubleshooting: == |
Line 48: | Line 51: |
* Download the script * Right click on it and select properties * Click on the "Permissions" tab * Check the "Allow executing file as program" box * Click "Close" * Double click on the script * Select "Run" when prompted |
It seems that after installing AutoFsck, some people are prompted by it on every shutdown. To fix this, change the frequency of the checks using the configuration menu (see ["AutoFsck/Doc"] for details). |
Line 56: | Line 53: |
== Trouble Shooting: == It seems that after installing AutoFsck, some people are prompted by it on every shutdown. To fix this, use the 'Check Frequency' script (in the section immediately above) to specify how often you would like to check your drives. If you're not sure, every 30 system boots is generally normal. |
If you have any other problems, please contact me: jmusther@gmail.com |
Line 62: | Line 58: |
=== 4th January: === AutoFsck v3.2 has been released. * Small bugfix regarding logging out and then shutting down later. === 3rd December 2007: === AutoFsck v3.1 has been released. This version has provides a small bug-fix and some improved functionality: * The prompt on shutdown now has a 2 minute time-out. If you don't notice the prompt, your computer will not remain on, but continue to shutdown after 2 minutes. * When setting the frequency of the checks, the previously selected frequency will be displayed. === 17th November 2007: === AutoFsck v3.0 has been released. This version has quite a number of changes: * Added KDM support. * Added a configuration GUI - see ["AutoFsck/Doc"] for full details * Audio prompt can be disabled/enabled * Check can be done on shutdown or after a quick reboot (machine is then halted) * The reboot method is default as it is more reliable. * Frequency of checks (max_mount_count) can be changed from the GUI * A test can be run. * A small 'quick help' screen. * Changed the prompts to make them easier to read. * Changed the way AutoFsck runs the checks (through init) * Restructured the code to make things neater. |
|
Line 63: | Line 82: |
Autofsck v2.5 has been released. This version improves a couple of things: | AutoFsck v2.5 has been released. This version improves a couple of things: |
Line 69: | Line 88: |
Autofsck is now distributed as a .deb, which is very helpful! | AutoFsck is now distributed as a .deb, which is very helpful! |
Line 76: | Line 95: |
It was designed specifically for Ubuntu, and has so far been tested on: | It was designed specifically for Ubuntu (and derivatives), and has so far been tested on: |
Line 78: | Line 97: |
* Ubuntu 7.10 Beta - The Gutsy Gibbon | * Ubuntu 7.10 - The Gutsy Gibbon * Kubuntu 7.10 - The Gutsy Gibbon * Xubuntu 7.10 - The Gutsy Gibbon |
Line 82: | Line 103: |
AutoFsck is likely to work on any GNU/Linux system which uses GDM (the Gnome Display Manager) for it's graphical login, but it will not currently work on Kubuntu, Xubuntu or other non-Gnome based systems. Support for KDE and other desktop environments is something I'm working on. | AutoFsck is likely to work on any GNU/Linux system which uses GDM or KDM for it's graphical login. |
Line 100: | Line 121: |
For more technical info, and more info about inclusion in Ubuntu, including discussion, see AutoFsckspec. AutoFsck is copied to /etc/X11/gdm/PostSession/AutoFsck and is called by Default, which is copied to /etc/X11/gdm/PostSession/Default. Default is called (as root) by gdm after the user closes her session, the mount count and maximum mount count values from tune2fs -l are evaluated, and if disk checks are not imminent, the script exits. If disk checks are required, or will be at the next boot, the script uses zenity to ask the user if she wants to schedule disk checks to occur at shutdow At this point, as of v2.5, there is an audio prompt - a short musical scale (ascending C blues) - to make sure the user doesn't miss the prompt, say by turning off the monitor very soon after calling shutdown. The audio is provided through the PC speaker, courtesy of 'beep'. If the user declines, the script issues the command: touch /fastboot which will prevent disk checks on the next boot, the script then exits. If the user says yes, the script creates a new script /etc/rc0.d/S89autofsck. This script is called after all other shutdown scripts except S90halt. S89autofsck simply remounts / read only, and then runs fsck on all filesystems before remounting read write and removing itself, it then exits and allows shutdown to continue. I made the decision to run fsck on all filesystems rather than treating them individually after much discussion with users as I came to the conclusion that it better suits the desktop user (as this is the group AutoFsck is aimed at). There are some bits of tidying up which I haven't outlined here. |
Coming soon for AutoFsck v3. |
Line 123: | Line 129: |
That dialogue could use some love: * A title - something like "Scheduled disk check" * More descriptive buttons - "[Continue Shutdown] [Check disks]" * '''Unfortunately, this isn't possible with the current implementation, as zenity is used for dialogues.''' == AutoFsck (or similar) Petition == It has been well established that many users are unhappy with the way that fsck interrupts the boot process after a pre-determined number of boots. Running fsck in this way is a 'just in case' check; it's purpose is to safeguard against filesystem errors which may arise during normal use, not to resolve specific issues which can be predicted (such as errors when the system is powered down without unmounting the filesystems). In protecting against this fsck does a great job, however the implementation, from a usability point of view, is severely lacking. Ubuntu strives to be a Linux distribution 'for human beings', it aims to be simple for every day users, and powerful for advanced ones. Ubuntu is run by people in all walks of life on desktops, laptops and servers, and for many of those people, specifically the ones using laptops, waiting for a disk check on boot is simply unacceptable. This is a ''''major usability issue.'''' To fix this usability issue, AutoFsck was created. AutoFsck isn't a perfect implementation, but it does solve the usability issue and even when the implementation lets them down, most users agree that the functionality presented to the user, is in line with what the distribution should be doing by default. Many users of AutoFsck have contacted me, asking how they can promote it with the specific goal of having it, or something providing its functionality, included in the default Ubuntu (non-server) install. There is a [https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+spec/prompt-for-fsck-on-shutdown launchpad blueprint], and I have tried to promote this, but so far I have had no success. So to further the goal of getting something which provides functionality in line with AutoFsck into the Ubuntu distribution, I created this wiki petition. '''To sign it, please add your name, email address (or link) and any comment to the table below. ''' * ''If you are uncomfortable supplying your email address, then don't, or replace it with a link, perhaps to your ubuntuforums profile.'' * ''If you're uncomfortable supplying your real, or full name, just use your first name.'' * ''If you are not confident editing a wiki, email your details to me and I will add them for you: jmusther@gmail.com'' ||'''Name:'''||'''Email/Link:'''||'''Comment:'''|| ||Jonathan Musther||jmusther@gmail.com||Please include the functionality of AutoFsck in Ubuntu.|| ||John Bartlett||bart34@shaw.ca||AutoFsck really should be an integral part of Ubuntu. It is a great timesaver.|| ||expatCM||[http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=170670 expatCM]|| || ||StrangeQuark||[http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=314522 SQuark]||AutoFsck is a lifesaver!|| ||Vadim Peretokin||vperetokin@gmail.com||This program should have been included by default a long while ago.|| ||Craig Critchfield||tundrowalker40@yahoo.com||Usability 101: Computers should wait on users, not vice-versa...this program puts that in practice.|| ||John Ohrt||j.f.ohrt@gmail.com||a needed usability and data protection measure for Ubuntu|| ||Markus Lobedann||markus.lobedann@gmail.com||really useful for laptop-users who are in a hurry!|| ||Bart Libert||lapino@gmail.com||If not autofsck, something similar has to be included|| ||Matt Price || matt.price@utoronto.ca || The time has come and gone! let's see some action! || ||Jari J. Lehtinen || namewithdots@gmail.com || This should absolutely be as a standard in Ubuntu installations! || ||Gabor Halaszvari||g.halaszvari@portmax.hu||essential for laptop-users|| ||Jan Niklas Hasse||jhasse@gmail.com||autfsck4tw|| |
ContentsBRTableOfContents |
Please consider supporting AutoFsck by reading, and possibly signing the petition at the bottom of this page.
AutoFsck is a script which automates periodic disk checking in such a way that it no longer bothers the user at boot every 30-ish times, and is streamlined in a friendly graphical user interface.
AutoFsck ensures that the automatic disk check will no longer inconvenience you by making your boot times very long.
How Does it Work?
It's really quite simple, every time you shut down, AutoFsck finds information on your disks. Every linux partition has two important number associated with it, one is the number of times it has been mounted, the other is the number of times it is allowed to before being checked. AutoFsck looks at these, and if your drives are due for checking it asks if you want to check them. If you say yes, your drives are checked before your computer shuts down. If you say no, AutoFsck will ensure that the check will not run next time your computer boots. You will then be prompted again the next time you shut down.
NOTE - AutoFsck is not dangerous, it does not stop fsck from running if the filesystem in question is flagged as unclean during boot.
Requirements:
At present, AutoFsck works on Ubuntu and derivatives (for example kubuntu and xubuntu). More specifically, AutoFsck requires you to be using either GDM (the Gnome Display Manger) or KDM (the KDE Display Manager) to log in. You can use any window manager or desktop environment (Gnome, KDE, Openbox, IceWM etc) so long as you are logging in through GDM or KDM (for example Xubuntu uses GDM).
Download
[attachment:autofsck_3.2-1_all.deb Click here to download AutoFsck v3.2] - see below for installation instructions.
See the AutoFsck v3.2 documentation at ["AutoFsck/Doc"]
If you wish to be notified of new releases, please subscribe to the AutoFsck announcements list at: http://www.flamingfatherland.org/software/autofsck/subscribe.php?action=signup
You can also download the script as a tar.gz. This is only intended for people who need to customise AutoFsck, do not download this unless you know what you are doing. [attachment:AutoFsck3.2-script.tar.gz Click here] to download AutoFsck v3.2 script.
Installation
Installing AutoFsck v3.2 is easy - you can install over the top of AutoFsck 2.0 or later:
- Download the archive from the link above.
- Either select 'open' from the download dialogue, or save the file and then double click it.
- When gdebi (the graphical .deb install manager) opens, click the 'install' button to install the package.
- Note that during the install, the terminal window in gdebi may ask whether you want to keep your version, or use the new version of the configuration file autofsckrc, it is recommended that you keep your version.
If you want to remove Autofsck at any time, use synaptic (System --> Administration --> Synaptic Package Manager) to remove the package 'autofsck'.
Changing the Frequency of the Checks:
Changing the frequency of the checks is now done through the AutoFsck configuration GUI, see ["AutoFsck/Doc"] for more information.
Troubleshooting:
It seems that after installing AutoFsck, some people are prompted by it on every shutdown. To fix this, change the frequency of the checks using the configuration menu (see ["AutoFsck/Doc"] for details).
If you have any other problems, please contact me: jmusther@gmail.com
News:
4th January:
AutoFsck v3.2 has been released.
- Small bugfix regarding logging out and then shutting down later.
3rd December 2007:
AutoFsck v3.1 has been released. This version has provides a small bug-fix and some improved functionality:
- The prompt on shutdown now has a 2 minute time-out. If you don't notice the prompt, your computer will not remain on, but continue to shutdown after 2 minutes.
- When setting the frequency of the checks, the previously selected frequency will be displayed.
17th November 2007:
AutoFsck v3.0 has been released. This version has quite a number of changes:
- Added KDM support.
- Added a configuration GUI - see ["AutoFsck/Doc"] for full details
- Audio prompt can be disabled/enabled
- Check can be done on shutdown or after a quick reboot (machine is then halted)
- The reboot method is default as it is more reliable.
- Frequency of checks (max_mount_count) can be changed from the GUI
- A test can be run.
- A small 'quick help' screen.
- Changed the prompts to make them easier to read.
Changed the way AutoFsck runs the checks (through init)
- Restructured the code to make things neater.
3rd October 2007:
AutoFsck v2.5 has been released. This version improves a couple of things:
- The disk checks now occur on shutdown - rebooting is no longer required!
- When the prompt appears on shutdown, there is an audio prompt - some people were turning off their monitor and not seeing the prompt.
This page has been updated so see below for further information and downloads.
31st August 2007:
AutoFsck is now distributed as a .deb, which is very helpful! Even if you already have Autofsck installed, please download and install the .deb as it will mean that it's easier to upgrade or remove in the future.
Further Information About AutoFsck
AutoFsck was created by Jonathan Musther (jmusther@gmail.com), it is released under the [http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html GNU General Public License], please use it and modify it as you want to.
It was designed specifically for Ubuntu (and derivatives), and has so far been tested on:
- Ubuntu 7.04 - The Feisty Fawn
- Ubuntu 7.10 - The Gutsy Gibbon
- Kubuntu 7.10 - The Gutsy Gibbon
- Xubuntu 7.10 - The Gutsy Gibbon
If you know of other systems on which AutoFsck works, Ubuntu or otherwise, please add them here.
AutoFsck is likely to work on any GNU/Linux system which uses GDM or KDM for it's graphical login.
Inclusion in Ubuntu
From the activity on the forums regarding the annoyance of the forced disk checks, I feel that AutoFsck, or at least something with its functionality should be included in the main Ubuntu Distribution as a dependency of Ubuntu-Desktop (as it is of dubious use on the server etc).
If you (the users) agree, please help me promote AutoFsck and get it included in the next release - 8.04.
Feedback, Suggestions, Comments etc
If you have any feedback, suggestions or comments, please post them below or email me; jmusther@gmail.com
Feedback/Discussion
PLEASE NOTE - I have removed all comments which have been addressed in version 2.0 or 2.5
Technical Details
Coming soon for AutoFsck v3.
Comments
Is every piece of text translatable in PO files? (a must for Ubuntu inclusion)
Is there a log kept by fsck or autofsck in case the fsck failed & perhaps why it failed?
- A log is kept by fsck in /var/log/fsck/
That dialogue could use some love:
- A title - something like "Scheduled disk check"
- More descriptive buttons - "[Continue Shutdown] [Check disks]"
Unfortunately, this isn't possible with the current implementation, as zenity is used for dialogues.
AutoFsck (or similar) Petition
It has been well established that many users are unhappy with the way that fsck interrupts the boot process after a pre-determined number of boots.
Running fsck in this way is a 'just in case' check; it's purpose is to safeguard against filesystem errors which may arise during normal use, not to resolve specific issues which can be predicted (such as errors when the system is powered down without unmounting the filesystems). In protecting against this fsck does a great job, however the implementation, from a usability point of view, is severely lacking.
Ubuntu strives to be a Linux distribution 'for human beings', it aims to be simple for every day users, and powerful for advanced ones. Ubuntu is run by people in all walks of life on desktops, laptops and servers, and for many of those people, specifically the ones using laptops, waiting for a disk check on boot is simply unacceptable. This is a 'major usability issue.'
To fix this usability issue, AutoFsck was created. AutoFsck isn't a perfect implementation, but it does solve the usability issue and even when the implementation lets them down, most users agree that the functionality presented to the user, is in line with what the distribution should be doing by default.
Many users of AutoFsck have contacted me, asking how they can promote it with the specific goal of having it, or something providing its functionality, included in the default Ubuntu (non-server) install. There is a [https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+spec/prompt-for-fsck-on-shutdown launchpad blueprint], and I have tried to promote this, but so far I have had no success.
So to further the goal of getting something which provides functionality in line with AutoFsck into the Ubuntu distribution, I created this wiki petition.
To sign it, please add your name, email address (or link) and any comment to the table below.
If you are uncomfortable supplying your email address, then don't, or replace it with a link, perhaps to your ubuntuforums profile.
If you're uncomfortable supplying your real, or full name, just use your first name.
If you are not confident editing a wiki, email your details to me and I will add them for you: jmusther@gmail.com
Name: |
Email/Link: |
Comment: |
Jonathan Musther |
Please include the functionality of AutoFsck in Ubuntu. |
|
John Bartlett |
AutoFsck really should be an integral part of Ubuntu. It is a great timesaver. |
|
expatCM |
|
|
AutoFsck is a lifesaver! |
||
Vadim Peretokin |
This program should have been included by default a long while ago. |
|
Craig Critchfield |
Usability 101: Computers should wait on users, not vice-versa...this program puts that in practice. |
|
John Ohrt |
a needed usability and data protection measure for Ubuntu |
|
Markus Lobedann |
really useful for laptop-users who are in a hurry! |
|
Bart Libert |
If not autofsck, something similar has to be included |
|
Matt Price |
The time has come and gone! let's see some action! |
|
Jari J. Lehtinen |
This should absolutely be as a standard in Ubuntu installations! |
|
Gabor Halaszvari |
essential for laptop-users |
|
Jan Niklas Hasse |
autfsck4tw |
AutoFsck (last edited 2011-11-24 01:58:57 by cpe-76-167-227-87)