You could delete all of your personal files and then run
BleachBit to wipe the free space. That would leave an OS
without having to reinstall and downloading and installing all of the updates.
http://bleachbit.sourceforge.net/Here are some links to check out for those interested. This is the first program I have seen
that works similar to Ccleaner in Ubuntu.
QUOTE: BleachBit quickly frees disk space, removes hidden junk, and easily guards your privacy. Erase cache, delete cookies, clear Internet history, remove unused localizations, shred logs, and delete temporary files. Designed for Linux and Windows systems, it wipes clean over 50 applications including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Flash, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, Adobe Reader, APT, and more.
Beyond simply deleting files, BleachBit includes advanced features such as shredding files to prevent recovery,
wiping free disk space to hide traces of files deleted by other applications, and vacuuming Firefox to make it faster.
How to install BleachBit in Ubuntu:http://www.howtoforge.com/delete-unnecessa...-on-ubuntu-9.04How to rename your computer in Ubuntu: 1. From your toolbar, select System ->Administration -> Networknetwork
2. Select the General tab.
3. If you are not logged in as Root, select Unlock.
4. A window will open, asking you to verify you have permission to access this part of the system. Type your password into the textbox, and click Authenticate.Screenshot-Network Settings
5. Type your desired computer name in the text box labeled Host Name.
6. Click Close
Restart your system to ensure the changes take effect.