On Mon, Sep 11, 2000 at 10:43:30AM +0200, Christian Pernegger wrote: > > -----Original Message----- > > From: John L . Fjellstad [mailto:john-list@fjellstad.org] > > Sent: Monday, September 11, 2000 8:43 AM > > To: debian-user@lists.debian.org > > Subject: Re: Debian VS. Red Hat > > > > [...] It just seems that every time there is > > a discussion of distribution, people are forgetting the fact that > > the distributions aren't that different. > > Maybe the software in the distributions is about the same, but the > distros themselves sure aren't. > > A distro as I understand it is the effort to integrate linux software > in a way that there seems to be a consistent OS. > > Some differences are, therefore: > > * installer > * package management > * file system policies > This won't be an issue as soon as the FHS is widely adhered to. > In the meantime, I really love it when my files are where I > would expect them. > * configuration > Most config tools are specific to or at least developed by > a distro company. > Also: where is "the network" configured, how is init handled? > * incuded software, and version thereof > * support Support. OH yes support. The first time I set up RH (first linux ever) I naturally had some problems and questions. I bought the retail version so I had access to tech support from RH. The first mail I sent them was a "how do you see colors in the directories when you do a ls" type of mail. The reply came 13 days later and said (paraphrase) "I am so and so and I will be your grade 3 support technician. What you asked about is already set up and is part of the standard distribution, if it isn't working for you then you changed something in your configuration and we are not responsible for that." And that was it. And there was NO color with ls. I did naturally find out about --color=auto but that was due to my looking not tech support. The second email I sent them was a X related question that said "I can cycle thru all the resolutions from 640x480 up to 1600x1200 but X always starts in 640x480. How can I tell X to start at 1600x1200?" Their answer was "Our technical support only covers configuring X to 640x480. Since you reported that this already works we are not obligated to assist you any further." Yes that was the end of the mail. These examples happened to me the first time I ever installed RH linux (my first linux). I knew I'd have problems so I paid the money for tech support and you can see what I received. After that I've had a different outlook on RH. In my mind RH is the MS of Linux. They do not care "about" linux, they care about how much money they can bleed out of us before the "fad" is over. So if your work is going to insall RH because "they offer true support" think twice. I continued to run RH for a while because I did not know where else to go. I finally found the debian web site, read about the reasons debian exists, it's goals and beliefs and was dumbstruck. This distribution is what I was looking for. There is a widely held belief out there that debian is murder to install and you had best not install it until you know what your doing because it doesn't hand hold you like RH. I found that to be somewhat accurate. Naturally, the more experience you have with a "subject" the eaiser time you have applying that knowledge to other related areas (other distributions). So I stuck it out with RH until I thought I had a "decent" foundation of understanding. Then I switched to Debian and I've been vey happy since. One of the things that I appreciate the most is this list. I obviously still don't know everything. It is a huge boost to debian in my eyes that there are people like you guys out there that answer questions real-time. There is nothing worse than being "almost" there and just need one more tweak to get it right. You can send a note to the list and get a reply sometimes in a matter of 30 seconds. Now lately I've read a couple people saying this is supposed to be a list about straight debian problems. If that truly is the case and general questions belong elsewhere perhaps we could start a debian version of a "general questions" list. Those of you that aren't intersted in answering "how do you get color in ls" wouldn't need to sign up for the list, but those people that don't mind helping like that could and debian could have a dedicated newbie list help line? Just a thought. I know I would sign up for it just to be there for the next person that needs to know something that I've already tackled. Thanks for your time. Bill > > Note that this does not make any distro better than any other > in an objective way, but definitly discernable. There is merit > in searching for the product one's most comfortable with. > > All, of course, my humblest of opinions. > > [...] > > > And, btw, if you want convince somebody of your position, it helps to > > have an open mind. Considering them illiterate sheep doesn't help > > your situation. If they don't feel that you respect them, they > > won't respect you. It's hard to convince someone on your position > > when they don't respect you. > > While you're certainly right on principle, "illiterate sheep" just fits > a certain kind of (office) computer users perfectly, don't you think? > > Regards > > Christian > > /me casts Protection From Fire > > > -- > Unsubscribe? mail -s unsubscribe debian-user-request@lists.debian.org < /dev/null >
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