Derek Kalweit wrote: >>> To me, the only distrib I've used that I can see as being mostly >>> headache-free for an end-user would be Ubuntu. I used Redhat/Fedora >>> before which I would not put in the same class of usability. I can't > >> Well, define 'before'. <s> > > Started with Redhat 5.2 back in 1998, I believe it was... Used Redhat > 5.x, 6.x, 7.x, I believe. I installed a GUI early on and one in 2001 > or 2002(Whatever dejur was then). I've also used RH Enterprise, but > not with a desktop-- only remotely via ssh(full root access). I can't > remember if I ever installed a Fedora desktop, but I've used at least > two versions remotely via SSH. Once upon a time, I even interviewed > for a job supporting Redhat Linux(1999, I think)-- I'm sure glad I > didn't get that job...
Well, things have changed.... Linux's reputation as a geek-only admin tool was well-deserved. Hell, look at the man and info pages. They're only useful if you already know the answer... > To me, the biggest problem was that rpm doesn't work, and trying to > compile on my own, I was always chasing mis-matched libraries. Sure > made installing something as simple as apache and php and mysql a > headache... And forget anything less mainstream without a big > headache... Maybe they fixed things since, but that's the bad taste I > have of RH. Things have improved significantly since. Wow. For example, the MySQL/PHP thing you mention is less than a no-brainer. Select 'development' in the software selection screen, and you're done. FC6 takes care of EVERYTHING (except having to modify httpd.conf.) Sweet. > Ubuntu, which I installed recently(GUI in VM and server on an actual > computer) showed me that all distribs don't have to be that messy and > headache-prone to get anything done. I just use apt-get and get things > done. I've never configured a Linux box faster than my current Ubuntu > box(used for web serving, samba, postfix mail server(with dovecot > imap, clamav, spamassassin, etc.), rsync backup repository, etc. I would like to like ubu but my last experience, well, like Def in The Italian Job said, "I HAD a bad experience." Ubu didn't like my ThinkPads, and when my only choice was to punt to a terminal (during an INSTALL of a user-friendly DESKTOP?), the terminal window was 1" tall by 2" wide, partially off the screen, the font was something like 5 point san serif, and the carriage return didn't work. Translation: I HAD a bad experience. I'm sure it's better now. But so many pedestrians, so little time. >> they'll break it with FC7, given their new direction, just like Win 3.0 >> was, er, not pretty. Or XP sans SPs. Or SuSE 10.0. <g> > > XP sans SPs is not pretty? Well, maybe pretty in the same way a $10 hooker who's never been to a doctor is pretty. >> I've got FC6 on every desktop here except my old W2K clunker and I am >> darn tootin' happy. For the first time in a long time, I have NO >> complaints. > > I rarely complain; I just fix it or move on. I'm still running XP on > my laptop and primary desktop at home and Ubuntu on a server for the > above mentioned purposes. I also have a W2K dedicated server hosted in > Dallas, TX(www.servermatrix.com). If I have a need for another OS, I > use VMware... I complain all the time. :) I think it's a reflex from having been married 30 years with 5 kids. Newton's Fourth Law and all that. I can always find something that I would expect to work better. I'm not smart enough to fix things expeditiously, but yapping is cheap and distro independent. Whil _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: ProFox@leafe.com Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
