Re: Just my opinion
George:
I just wanted to take a minute to let you know that over the past year
I've been subscribed to this list I've developed an opinion about you
that whenever I see one of your posts I think, "Finally, here will be
some solid knowledge, delivered with tact and grace, from what appears
to be a really decent guy." (I don't actually think those words of
course, but the idea is there floating in my subconcious.)
This comment you sent just reinforces that perception. I really
appreciate you hanging around the list and offering so much help.
George Bonser wrote:
>
> On Mon, 5 Jul 1999, John Galt wrote:
>
> >
> > Okay, leave. Debian doesn't need you more than you need it. See you when
> > you get a clue.
> >
>
> Well, I think THAT kind of comment is just as bad. I have been using
> Debian since before 1.0 and it IS difficult to install and get set up. The
> thing is that the initial installation is important to a newbie because
> that is what they are focused on at the start. The fact that it will save
> them hours and hours down the road in maintenance once they DO get it set
> up is not very important at that stage.
>
> The installation procedure is Debian's weak point but I think a little
> education of the user might help more than snide comments.
>
> If the installation were to auto detect and set up everything for you, it
> would need to be rather arrogant and start making decisions for you.
> Rather then be stuck with a default installation based on the best guess
> by the installation builder, Debian asks you EVERYTHING.
>
> Try this analogy ... Slackware is like building an unassembled model kit.
> All of the pieces are there and they are precut to assemble together
> provided you have a little skill and follow the directions. Red Hat takes
> that model, assembles it, paints it, adds all the decals and decorations,
> and even puts it on a nice display stand. Trouble is that if you want a
> different paint job or decoration scheme, you are going to have to go to a
> lot of trouble to undo their work.
>
> Debian assembles the model but leaves it unpainted and certain options off
> until they ask you how you want it. Even then, it is up to you to paint it
> the way you want (X config is very plain vanilla in Debian). Debian is
> the "unfinished furnature" store of Linux. You get it and apply the final
> touches yourself. That is why it is so popular with experianced
> administrators. Debian assumes as little as possible about the way you
> want your system installed.
>
> There SHOULD however be some way of helping someone that has no clue how
> they want it to look because they have never seen one before. There is no
> reason why the svga X server can not provide an option to install a
> pre-built config file that presents a reasonable display on ANY svga
> capable monitor .... just the basic svga modes. So the display is not
> "tweaked" to the capabilities of your hardware but it is useful. Some
> "canned" sound configurations for the most popular sound hardware would be
> nice too.
>
> The original poster was probably just frustrated after having spent a
> weekend trying to get Debian installed. Comments such as the one you made
> do not show the Debian user community in a good light. The poster exposed
> the major weakness in Debian. Don't shoot the messenger ... listen.
>
> --
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