On Fri, 18 Feb 2000, you wrote:
>
> First of all, is it safe to say that basically, all Linux distributions are
> about the same? It looks as though the only real differences between the
> distributions deal with the installation process and the choice of packages
> that each company chooses to include, is this true? And if it is, are
> problems encountered with other Linux distributions pretty much relevant to
> this list?
>
Well, speaking VERY generally, all linux distros use the
same software, BUT the directory structure may be laid out
differently. RedHat and compatibles have one structure, and
most of the rest (I think) have a different directory
structure / idea where certain files should go. For
example, most RedHat and compatible distros put KDE in
/usr. Just about everyone else puts in /opt or /usr/local.
>
> I would also really like to get an idea of
> the way the directories are set > up. For example, where
> are the most common places to put files at, such as >
> mp3s, files downloaded from the internet, pictures, etc.
>
Files I download, such as MP3 files, pictures, etc either
go in /home/<username> or in some "junk" directory. If it's
an app, it may want to be installed in /usr/local/bin or
something similar....
>
> Also, where would > be a good place to look to figure out
> how all the various .conf files and the Linux
> equivalent of autoexec.bat affect my system?
>
Hmm...Linux equivalent of Autoexec.bat... well, There are
SEVERAL files that together would be your "autoexec.bat"
including your ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile, and the
/etc/rc.d/ directory tree.
>
> I would really like to talk to some Linux users in real
> time. If this is possible for any of you guys to help
> me out with the type of questions that I > would feel
> stupid asking in this list, I would really appreciate it.
> Also, perhaps I could have a few reference sites to
> find out more of these general > things I will have to
> get used to in moving from Windows and DOS to Linux?
> I have no problem reading things (preferably online
> materials, as I have no > money), I just don't know where
> to look.
>
You might want to see about finding a copy of the SAG
(System Administrator's Guide) on-line. There *is* a
version available in pdf format on commercial CDs. Maybe
someone will be nice and email some of the files to
you...but the PDF files are about 5-10 megs each!
John
