Lecture Notes: Removing Files and Directories

Removing Files and Directories in Windows GUI

• Removing Files/Folders:
  • Right-click on the file/folder and select "Delete."
  • Deleted files go to the Recycle Bin.
  • Files in the Recycle Bin can be restored by right-clicking and selecting "Restore."
  • Once the Recycle Bin is emptied, files cannot be retrieved.

Removing Files and Directories in PowerShell

• Command: rm or remove
• Caution:
  • Removed files do not go to the Recycle Bin, they are permanently deleted.

Example Commands:

1. Remove a File:

   • Remove a file like text1.txt in the home directory using rm text1.txt.
   • File is permanently deleted.

2. Permission Restrictions:

   • Attempting to remove a file like an "important system file" may result in an error due to lack of permissions.
   • Files marked as system files or those you don't have permission for cannot be removed without proper access.
   • Files can be removed using -force if you have the necessary permissions, which overrides the safety checks.

3. Permissions and Administration:

   • If lacking permissions (non-admin or file owned by someone else), admin rights are required.

Removing Directories:

• Removing a Directory:
  • Use remove command but may prompt for confirmation if using without -recurse.
  • -recurse parameter confirms awareness of removing all contents within the directory.

Important Considerations

• Safety Measures:

  • Only authorized users can use the removal commands.
  • Ensure awareness of file permissions and potential impacts of removing files.

• Best Practices:

  • Always double-check before using removal commands to avoid unintended data loss.