Ask HN: Do you still use public computers?

3 points by marcelox86 265 days ago | 2 comments

I primarily use the M2 iMac's provided at my University Library when I want to have deep concentration on my work. I usually show up without my phone / backpack. I still have access to the terminal and all of the tools, so I grab an Emacs binary from emacsforosx.com + download of the Fork git client to start working. I also have access to the terminal so I can install homebrew (in a non-sudo environment) and install stuff like npm / python packages / etc.

All of the user data gets deleted upon sign out, so there are warning every couple of warning reminding students to back up their work on the cloud or from a usb drive. I just use rclone and back up to my server.

If you do use public computers, do you have access to the terminal? Do you have any concerns regarding privacy? Does your data get deleted on signout, or is it more like a Java Card hotdesking situation? [1]

[1] https://youtu.be/9BW-mbC7Xag?si=Uo-ODoYBWekYMGN1

Bender 265 days ago |

There are a few times I have booted a public computer using a thumb drive with MX Linux (persistent) but I would never use it for anything sensitive. I call that thumb drive my "dirty disk" and I only stick it in "dirty places".

abstractspoon 265 days ago |

Couple of times a year at my local library when I need to print something.