/dev/random and then some..
Linux users are a special breed of computer users that differ greatly from your average Windows techie. One of the main reasons being that Linux itself almost forces it's user to explore, learn, and create. To just use Linux as a 'point and click' interface is not taking advantage of all that it has to offer the user. One thing is for sure however; Linux is not for the average user, and it's not something you should expect to learn overnight.
Linux means control.
Unlike Windows Linux allows you to change the very 'brain' of your operating system in ways that you can only imagine. Sadly Microsoft has yet to understand this very human aspect; that is to control our environments. How often in your lifetime have you ever wanted to change something that just could not be changed? If your like many frustrated computer users the number is high. This is where Linux steps in. Nothing in Linux is hidden from the end user, and everything is customizable to suit your needs, and your style.
I myself am not a complete Linux Guru per se but I know enough to get by for the time being. I am learning more and more all the time, and with the wealth of information available there is no reason not to learn. One of the many aspects of this community is the overwhelming desire to change the world one user at a time. The Linux community is large and getting larger all the time thanks to those many faceless posts providing answers to old and new users alike.
/dev/random warning beyond this point..
My first attempt at installing Linux was in mid 90's, and I must admit that I fried my HD quite well with the attempt. It had been many years since I had even touched a computer due to some legal issues from the late 80's. So I was not only out of touch, but out of sync with everything that had happened over the past 8 or so years. However I struggled on working with Windows for quite sometime after my failed attempt with Linux (Red Hat Linux 2, or 3 I believe it was for those of you who are curious) and I was missing out on a whole new world. Sure where was more attempts made at installing and using Linux, however none of them really got me hooked. Reason being I was too lazy to commit myself to learning the basics and just gave up. It wasn't until about 2 years ago that I really started to explore Linux, and learn about what it takes to run, maintain and most of all enjoy Linux. Today I have almost left the world of Windows behind. The only aspects remaining are the use of a few applications that I just can't live without. PSP (Paint Shop Pro) is by far in my opinion the best, and the most comfortable environment for me to use when it comes down to graphic work. I've used it for many years, and just can't shake it. I enjoy this program so much that I became an Advocate for it over at wwww.codeweavers.com. It runs for the most part under Linux, with a few minor issues for some, and a few major ones for others. With time however I will be able to see it come to life on my Linux box and all will be right with the world. ;) The other application is Dreamweaver MX. Which works fine under Codeweavers Crossover Office. I do however only run Linux.
I use Suse Linux (9.2 Pro currently) and it is my personal favorite. I have also tried out several over flavors of Linux including Mandrake, Gentoo, and a slew of others. I settled on Suse for various reasons, but mostly because it just felt right. Most of the work is already done for you and it comes with various applications that other distro's don't seem to offer out of the box. I've been through all the installaltions of these applications so I am no stranger to getting the job done. However I'm quite content that the programs that I use the most are ready without any hassle.
So I started out as a programmer on a TRS-80 Color computer back in the early 80's, moved onto software pirate and overall so called 'know it all' hacker in the mid 80's and got into some 'know it all' trouble. Today I'm just a hacker trying my best to keep out of trouble, but curiosity still gets the best of me even today. Linux is a tool to help keep me entertained and it's been doing a great job so far. Am I still a pirate? In a word, yes. I hold true to that fact that software should be free. However in the Linux world, it already is.
Linux means control.
Unlike Windows Linux allows you to change the very 'brain' of your operating system in ways that you can only imagine. Sadly Microsoft has yet to understand this very human aspect; that is to control our environments. How often in your lifetime have you ever wanted to change something that just could not be changed? If your like many frustrated computer users the number is high. This is where Linux steps in. Nothing in Linux is hidden from the end user, and everything is customizable to suit your needs, and your style.
I myself am not a complete Linux Guru per se but I know enough to get by for the time being. I am learning more and more all the time, and with the wealth of information available there is no reason not to learn. One of the many aspects of this community is the overwhelming desire to change the world one user at a time. The Linux community is large and getting larger all the time thanks to those many faceless posts providing answers to old and new users alike.
/dev/random warning beyond this point..
My first attempt at installing Linux was in mid 90's, and I must admit that I fried my HD quite well with the attempt. It had been many years since I had even touched a computer due to some legal issues from the late 80's. So I was not only out of touch, but out of sync with everything that had happened over the past 8 or so years. However I struggled on working with Windows for quite sometime after my failed attempt with Linux (Red Hat Linux 2, or 3 I believe it was for those of you who are curious) and I was missing out on a whole new world. Sure where was more attempts made at installing and using Linux, however none of them really got me hooked. Reason being I was too lazy to commit myself to learning the basics and just gave up. It wasn't until about 2 years ago that I really started to explore Linux, and learn about what it takes to run, maintain and most of all enjoy Linux. Today I have almost left the world of Windows behind. The only aspects remaining are the use of a few applications that I just can't live without. PSP (Paint Shop Pro) is by far in my opinion the best, and the most comfortable environment for me to use when it comes down to graphic work. I've used it for many years, and just can't shake it. I enjoy this program so much that I became an Advocate for it over at wwww.codeweavers.com. It runs for the most part under Linux, with a few minor issues for some, and a few major ones for others. With time however I will be able to see it come to life on my Linux box and all will be right with the world. ;) The other application is Dreamweaver MX. Which works fine under Codeweavers Crossover Office. I do however only run Linux.
I use Suse Linux (9.2 Pro currently) and it is my personal favorite. I have also tried out several over flavors of Linux including Mandrake, Gentoo, and a slew of others. I settled on Suse for various reasons, but mostly because it just felt right. Most of the work is already done for you and it comes with various applications that other distro's don't seem to offer out of the box. I've been through all the installaltions of these applications so I am no stranger to getting the job done. However I'm quite content that the programs that I use the most are ready without any hassle.
So I started out as a programmer on a TRS-80 Color computer back in the early 80's, moved onto software pirate and overall so called 'know it all' hacker in the mid 80's and got into some 'know it all' trouble. Today I'm just a hacker trying my best to keep out of trouble, but curiosity still gets the best of me even today. Linux is a tool to help keep me entertained and it's been doing a great job so far. Am I still a pirate? In a word, yes. I hold true to that fact that software should be free. However in the Linux world, it already is.
posted by Unknown at 4:03 AM
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