05.5 specialized Linux distributions for computer repair

Computers are incredible tools that let users doing amazing things, but sometimes things go wrong. The problem could be as small as accidentally deleting files or forgetting a password—and as major as having an operating system rendered non-bootable by file system corruption. Or, worst case scenario, a hard drive dying completely. In each of these cases, and many more like them, there are specialized tools that can aid you in fixing problems with a computer or help you be prepared for when something bad does happen.

Many of these tools are actually highly-specialized Linux distributions. These distributions have a much narrower focus than the major desktop and server Linux distributions. So while you can find the vast majority of the same software packages are included in the repositories for the major distributions, these specialized distributions are designed to put all the programs you would need for computer repair or backup/restoration in one convenient place. Many of them even have customized user interfaces to make using the software easier.

Below, I look at five different Linux distributions designed to make your life easier when computers start giving you a headache. Give them a try, and make sure you keep CDs or USB drives with your favorites handy for when something does go wrong. If you like, you can even try using Scott Nesbitt's instructions for how to test drive Linux to install these distributions to a USB stick instead of burning a CD or using the sometimes more complex instructions available on the projects' websites for creating a bootable flash drive installation.

Clonezilla Live

More@

http://opensource.com/life/15/2/five-specialized-linux-distributions-computer-repair

Where and how do Ars staffers work? Our computers, let us show you them!

Our quick "Chairs Technica" write up last Thanksgiving was a hit, and we all enjoyed showing you all the different awesome places where we put our butts while working. This year, though, we wanted to give you something a little more interesting to look at: our computers and desks.






Unlike a lot of other tech publications, Ars Technica is entirely remote-staffed—our core group of writers and editors and techies work from homes spread across the whole US, literally all the way from sea to proverbial shining sea. We spend hours in front of our computers each day, tirelessly bringing you guys interesting tech and science news and researching big, long-form features, and some of us even do it without any pants on because there’s no one around to stop us.

The last time we did this was in 2012, and the large number of Macs drew considerable comment from folks. The truth is that the Ars crew uses an eclectic mix of machines at home, and we’re all comfortable using any operating system—we’ve got Linux and Windows and OS X machines all represented, and everyone uses whatever they want as their daily driver.

So, as you relax with your turkey this Thanksgiving, if you're American, or wonder where the hell all the Americans are if you're not American, allow us to pull back the curtain once again on our inner sanctums (sancta?) and show you the secret places where we hide from the burning light of the Day Star, busily toiling away at our technological tasks!

Reviews Editor and Android Genius Ron Amadeo


Source:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/11/where-and-how-do-ars-staffers-work-our-computers-let-us-show-you-them/

How computers have revolutionised our cars

IN DEPTH Meet the computer models making cars more efficient and building factories

Computer modelling is becoming an increasingly important part of car design, chopping testing times down to a fraction of what they were and enabling engineers to innovate and tinker with greater ease.

In fact, Mercedes-Benz performed computer modelling to test solutions for better aerodynamics in its new CLA, Chrysler is using state-of-the-art models to design better factories and Ford is analysing the MPG of a C-MAX Energi.

It seems computer modelling is here to stay in car manufacturing. Let's see how this all works.

Chrysler builds a better powertrain factory

Source:
http://www.techradar.com/news/car-tech/how-computers-have-revolutionised-car-design-1160141