🚀 go-pugleaf

It's 12 Jun 97  09:48,
We'll return to broom@fit.qut.edu.au and All's
discussion of What would you *like* to see in a pro-Linux article?

 br> I'd most like to see a balanced article that addresses both the
 br> advantages and disadvantages of Linux.  Writing an inaccurate,
 br> overly-pro Linux article would hurt everyone involved: you, the
 br> magazine, any newbies that get burnt, and of course Linux itself.

Good point.  As I mentioned the other day, Linux is not for everyone,
but it should be more well known so those who would benefit can try it
out. :-)

 br> From a home user's perspective, Linux comes with a much greater
 br> range of usable software, so you that when you've finally bought
 br> your new computer, it can do something - you don't need to rush
 br> out and  buy another $1000 worth of software.  If you're on a
 br> budget (and who isn't), it might be enough.  If you're not, some
 br> commercial packages are starting to become available, although
 br> they are still fairly rare at the moment.

Yes, a typical installation from a major distribution contains a lot of
useful software.  The other advantage is that if you do need more s/w,
it's more often than not a free download off the Net, with no rego fees.
:-)

 br> The major problem with Linux at home is getting it installed, and
 br> having someone to talk to regarding the inevitable problems that
 br> will occur.  With Windows, the computer supplier will perform these

I'd agree with that, as well as the inevitable steep learning curve for
new UNIX/Linux users. :-)

 br> roles for you.  However, few suppliers can/will do that for Linux yet.
 br> The alternative is the various user groups.  However, you would still
 br> want to be fairly confident technically.  (Not that it's hard - I

Most people have no idea about Linux (or any other non-Windoze) OS.
I've mentioned things like OS/2 and Linux at work, and everyone else
just says "Oooh, that's too hard"! ;)  Needless to say, a recent demo of
my Linux Samba server being accessed by Windows machines raised a little
interest. :-)

 br> just upgraded my system by installing Redhat 4.1 from scratch.  Except
 br> for a small hiccup due to my dated hardware, it was a breeze.)

Same here, after a little RTFM. :)

 br> If you haven't got used to the DOS / Microsoft Windows, then *using*
 br> Linux + X Windows isn't technically hard, despite all claims
 br> otherwise. My 5.7 year old can login, start X manually, and start and
 br> use a few simple applications (Xpaint, The Gimp, Lyx, a number of
 br> simple X games), and logout.

The basic apps, like mail (pine, elm), news (tin), and many X
applications are a breeze to use.

 br> Performing system administration and command line work is naturally
 br> much more difficult, but this is a matter of gradually learning and
 br> becoming more confident.  The DOS / Microsoft Windows world is just
 br> as hard.  A popular Australian personal computer magazine, similar to
 br> the one you described, recently ran some "Workshop" articles on
 br> installing Win95 OSR2, and that certainly looked pretty daunting.
 br> Anyone capable of doing that would also be able to learn to administer
 br> Linux.

However, Linux (and other command line driven systems) are actually
easier to administer and support remotely (i.e. via telnet, or assisting
someone over the phone).  A text based telnet connection is all you need
to administer a Linux box.  Windows NT requires a lot more s/w at the
client end to administer it remotely.  Similarly for support, it's a lot
easier to say "type pico /etc/rc.d/rc.net" "Change the line that says
ifconfig eth0 192.168.2.2 to ifconfig eth1 192.168.2.2, press CTRL-X,
then enter", than say "Open Control Panel, networking... Now under
TCP/Ip, there's a way to change your IP address, find the little box
near the top, etc, etc". :-)


... ARRRRRGGGHHH!!!! ... Tension breaker, had to be done.
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