Some years ago I bought Mandrake Linux 7.0 and later attempted a dual-boot installation which was "successful", but lilo did not install because, as I understand it, the target directory was too large. More recently, I wrote e-mail to SUSE and received nonsense in response. My experience is that Linux documentation is often incorrect or inadequate, and I get the feeling that what I hope for is not available. A few years ago, multiple spreadsheets were available to run under MS-DOS, Quattro Pro and Lotus 1-2-3, for example. Now, it seems that if one does not run Word and Excel, then one does not do anything with a personal computer unless it is a Macintosh. There is no Justice Department, for all practical intents and purposes.
If Linux will load properly, will it run my printers and modems? Personal computing has come far since when Sinclair produced a machine with 1K ROM and 1K RAM. The Commodore 64 was great in its day. It is difficult for me to recognize much real progress lately. The little I know of Linux is from reading. Getting hands-on experience seems impossible unless I can personally acquire a workable system. I do crave freedom. Please, do not send these words back to me, but if someone has the answer, please, let me know. Honestly, if this seems to be a rant, I apologize. If I can get help, perhaps I can help someone else.
