Chapter 1.  Before reinstalling a computer
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Chapter 1.  Before reinstalling a computer

If erasing an existing setup, back up anything important that might be unique to the computer.

  1. Backup

    Check for things that have been lost in the past.

    • /etc/fstab

    • Network settings

    • Home directory symlinks

    • text files in home dir

    • certificates

    • Local ~/bin scripts

  2. Wipe the old hard drive

    shred -v -n 1 /dev/sda

    Warning

    This is probably pointless and maybe even harmful to an SSD.

  3. Reinstall

    Install from USB