Sarge review on Newsforge
Hi,
so, let's start collecting Sarge reviews here, unless somebody thinks
-project is better suited for other things.
Bruce Byfield has written a review on Newsforge:
http://os.newsforge.com/os/05/06/10/1512236.shtml?tid=2
"As the first Debian release to use the new installer, version 3.1,
a.k.a. Sarge, goes a long way to detonating the myth that Debian is hard
to install. Moreover, because it includes -- for the most part --
up-to-the-moment software while conforming to strict free software
guidelines and offering better than average security, 3.1 is easily the
most accessible version of Debian ever released."
After a quick glance, the review seems quite well written (especially
praising d-i and the installation manual), there are few things to
quibble about, but the major point he did not catch is that you can
install Linux-2.6 optionally:
"Second, Debian 3.1 uses the 2.4.27 kernel, rather than a more recent
2.6 version. While no doubt disappointing to many, this conservative
kernel choice is in keeping with the stable distribution's emphasis on
reliability. The 2.4.27 kernel is at the end of a line of development
and is therefore likely to be more thoroughly debugged than the rapidly
evolving 2.6 line. Although the choice may sacrifice some speed, users
not caught up in the arms race of version numbers will probably never
notice the difference. For those who do, Debian's kernel compilation
method offers a quick solution."
His conclusion:
"To say that Debian is no longer just for geeks would be an
exaggeration. All the same, if version 3.1 is any indication, that's the
way the distribution is heading.
True, it's still not a distribution to give a newcomer. Defects such as
the lack of video card testing during installation or of an utomatically
installed firewall still assume a knowledgeable, hands-on user who can
readily overcome them.
But neither is it a distribution that should baffle any except the most
inexperienced. If you've been down the install path a couple of times
and always wanted to try Debian, there's never been a better time.
Combining ease of use, security-consciousness, and a strict adherence to
principle with a mostly current selection of well-tested software, in
many ways Debian 3.1 is free software at its best."
cheers,
Michael
--
Michael Banck
Debian Developer
mbanck@debian.org
http://www.advogato.org/person/mbanck/diary.html
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