Ubuntu

system file space

Asked by Jamie Oakes

I am trying to figure out how Ubuntu works (netbook ed). I'm more comfortable with mac os, but I would like to get Linux. I must say Gnome is helping as a shell.

The System File seems to perform all the necessary OS functions (please correct me if I am wrong), while the partitioned segment is for mass storage. It seems the System file is stuck with around 30gb of space, which has filled in the 1 and 1/2 days I've owned the netbook. {the "host" seems to be drawing all that space, as the disk usage analyzer has me believe} All with minor install for the applications and a measly 3 gb of music i transferred. I've been warned already that the System space is low. Meanwhile, I partitioned a segment of the disk for storage, added nothing to it, and it already has 6 gb in use.

I have no idea where this storage space and crucial File System space is going, nor how to expand the size {nor jettison useless programs..}

any direction is so welcomed... i dread having to use the windows 7 starter that was installed on this thing.

Thank you for your time

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actionparsnip
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Best actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

You can release space in a number of ways:

1: sudo apt-get clean
This will clean out debs used for updates and upgrades

2. Remove old unused kernels
The system does NOT remove old kernels. Each kernel takes up ~120Mb each so if you have a number of kernels installed and only use one you can remove the rest.

3. Remove ubuntu-docs
This package is 250Mb in size and contains a lot of documentation, if you have web access you on't really need this

4. Remove openoffice
Yes this beast is 300Mb!! You can remove it and install Abiword if you only use writer, or you can use googledocs and the like. This will use less space on your partition

5. Run bleachbit
This app can delete temporary stuff gathered by the OS. If you use it ensure you have the maximum number of apps closed and avoid settings which say they wil take a long time. Also watch settings for individual apps or it will remove data you want.

Using these can help reduce used space. Don't bother with the "I don't want to use windows" whinge, it doesn't help the thread and doesn't make anyone want to help you any more or less

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Jamie Oakes (jamieoakes7) said : 		#2

Haha, I'm sorry how the Windows comment came across. I just meant of my 2 days in installing Ubuntu it has wowed me.. I'll leave the editorials out next time.
Thanks for the cleaning start:

The tossing of old kernels and openoffice got rid of that pesky warning pop-up of low disk space.

 I'm still grappling with the running of Bleachbit,removing ubuntu-doc, and the sudo apt-clean up

I'm also still confused on how my 30gb os section could fill up so fast.

Thanks again

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#3

Ok what is the output of:

cd /; du -sh *

Then if one is VERY big, jump into the large folder and run the command again. You will see where the culprit is.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#4

You can also list the top 20 offenders with:

sudo du -a / | sort -n -r | head -n 20

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Jamie Oakes (jamieoakes7) said : 		#5

Thanks actionparsnip, that solved my question.