next london user group meeting

Andrew Hodgson andrew at exlayer.co.uk
Sun Sep 18 13:39:47 BST 2005


<quote>
I'm kind of a returning user! I was maintaining a test-bed at my last workplace and had free reign on the test machines, so I installed FreeBSD (4.7?) to try, even rolled my own kernel. I've been a Linux user for years now, but getting fed up with a) poor documentation b) disparity between distributions (which I always think is akin to the infighting of socialist factions in Spain in the 70s) c) smart arses and lack of answers on forums.
</quote>

It's interesting this, because after years using FreeBSD (my first OS OS ;) I'm finally coming round to Linux. I've found a decent way to get around it by being forced to use, like you, RH at work, and having Debian at home. This gives me a pretty broad knowledge of the Linux world, and you can get a feel for the different styles. But the main thing with Linux is that I do think the GNU programs are excellent tools, and once you get your head around the OS it makes a lot of sense. Same with *BSD, of course. I just like to know about what most of the geek world is banging on about...and it turns out to be 'alright'.

The forums aspect I've had less experience with, I suppose because after a year or two using BSD you learn how to track a problem down! (Also, after years of asking embarrassing questions on very public forums, you learn to be careful!)

The point of this rambling is, I suppose, to say that I happily run Linux and *BSD (Free and Open), and through them get to check out a lot of the best of OSS, along with excellent platforms for networking research and (beginners) programming. There's a lot to be said for concentrating and learning your platform, but I don't believe in closing oneself off to anything, and frankly, f**k the politics.

Cheers!

A.

(written on Outlook 2003, Windows XP....who gives a s**t, really?  ^_^)








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