[HOW TO] Deep Freeze Xubuntu with Ofris

UPDATED: 26/07/12

Whats is "Deep Freeze"? Deep Freeze, by Faronic, is an application for Microsoft Windows and MAC OS X which restores the computer back to its original configuration each time the system is restarted.

In Xubuntu the same can be accomplished using Ofris. Ofris is a command line tool, easy to use and offers options to lock the system for a specific user or for all users. Please be aware that Ofris only freezes the users' home directory; applications installed while the system is locked with remain installed after unlocking.

There's also an AppIndicator available that goes by the name of Gofris, which makes all the Offris options available with a couple of clicks.

Even though Ofris and Gofris work on recent Xubuntu distributions, there's no package available on the PPA, so instructions for both older and newer Xubuntu releases are provided. Instructions should work for 32 and 64 bits machines.

Please note that Ofris and Gofris are conflicting packages. This means that you have to choose one to install, can't install both.

Install OFRIS for versions 9.10, 10.04 and 10.10

Open a terminal window and run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tldm217/tahutek.net -y
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install ofris-en -y

Install OFRIS for versions 11.04, 11.10 and 12.04

Open a terminal window and run this line:

if [ $(uname -m) == "x86_64" ]; then deb="http://goo.gl/DleLl"; else deb="http://goo.gl/V94Qs"; fi && wget -q $deb -O ofris.deb && sudo dpkg -i ofris.deb && rm ofris.deb

Install GOFRIS for versions 9.10, 10.04 and 10.10

Open a terminal window and run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tldm217/gofris -y
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install gofris-en -y

Install GOFRIS for version 11.04, 11.10 and 12.04

Open a terminal window and run this line:

if [ $(uname -m) == "x86_64" ]; then deb="http://goo.gl/zKLBw"; else deb="http://goo.gl/kPLSQ"; fi && wget -q $deb -O gofris.deb && sudo apt-get install python-all && sudo dpkg -i gofris.deb && rm gofris.deb

Ofris Usage

Ofris can be accessed typing the following command in the command line: ofris-en. After running this command a option menu is displayed on the terminal. The options description is quite clear and to select one just type the corresponding number.

$ ofris-en 

===================================================
    Dafturn Ofris Erdana - Locking your Systems
         By : Muhammad Faruq Nuruddinsyah
===================================================

Your choice :
  1. Freeze the system for this User only
  2. Freeze the system for specified User
  3. Freeze the system for all Users
  4. Unfreeze the system
  5. View status
  6. Exit

Please insert your choice number : 

If you want to see Ofris in action, here's a video created by gotbletu:

Gofris Usage

Grofris can be accessed via Applications Menu > System > GOFRIS or typing the following command: gofris-en. Gofris will make all Ofris options available on Xfce's panel. Just click on the indicator icon an choose a option from the popup menu.

Gofris running on Xubuntu 12.04

Gofris uses system notifications to give user feedback.

Gofris informing the user that the system has been locked

References

Deep Freeze Like Application For Linux ~ Web Upd8
Ofris Get An AppIndicator ~ Web Upd8
Deep Freeze at Wikipedia