I came to Linux from the Windows world and therefore was looking for GUI configuration programs for linux similar to the Windows counterparts. Since I was using RedHat, I used control-panel (this is in the pre-linuxconf days) which worked pretty well for me but didn't do everything and didn't tell you what it was doing (what files it was modifying.) The existance of control-panel gave me the impression that everything that needed to be configured could be through the GUI and so nothing else was necessary. However, I found that control-panel didn't always work well and since it hid its actions, it was a long time before I learned what it was really doing and how to fix things 'by hand'.
After having used Linux for several years now, I much prefer vi on the command line over linuxconf et al. You know exactly what file you're changing so you can make a backup in case your changes don't work and it's easy to do the configuration from a remote host.
What the new user lacks is a comprehensive view of what services need to be configured on their system and what files and options are generally used to cofigure those services. Linuxconf provides the view, but it hides the actions actions it takes and the files it modifies.
I propose that we make a simple HTML and/or text based document that provies a reasonably comprehensive list of all services and options that one typically wants to configure on a Linux system. The document would have a section for each service and the sections would be no more detailed than necessary to provide the new user with the knowledge to minimally configure that service, (bascially allow them to configure as much as GUI tools typically allow.) This kind of document is good for many reasons: 1) I means GUI tools don't have to be written. 2) It builds user's knowledge of their system. 3) It reduces dependency on those magic GUI configuration tools that limit the user's control of thier own system.
The HTML/text configuration files I'm talking about already exist in my company, and I'm sure in many other companies too. We have lots of HTML documentation on getting Linux running in our environment. This information could be easily adopted for more general use
Maybe if you explain your position, rather than just stating it, you might not sound like such a clueless blowhard. Then again, maybe you'll sound like more of one:)
It's not worthless at all, InterBase is quite nice. It's just hard to compete these days. As I mentioned in a previous post, most of their problems are marketing not technical.
Stored procedures are really nice, but if you need transactions you can't develop a robust appliation with out them. You can develop an appliation without stored procedures, it's just more painful.
Most products fail because of marketing, not because they're bad. I don't give a damn about marketing, I'll use any good product that fits my needs. InterBase is a really good product and I'd welcome it to OpenSource.
If this is a serious question, and not a troll, you should a) become familiar with SQL and b) compare the feature set of MySQL and inprise. MySQL is good for a lot of things, but it is a full SQL implementation.
My SDSL is 384K and it's $60/month. It's more expensive than cable because cable is not available where I live so there's no competition.
Something that makes me really unhappy is that the very service I use is cheaper in the neighborhoods around my city where cable is available. Once these guys have to compete they'll have to either raise the speed or lower the price (or both) and making trasfer speeds symmetric is one more way to make their service more appealing.
By the way, I signed up for ADSL from Flashcom but I got SDSL because ADSL wasn't available yet (yay!)
I'm sick of asymetric upload/download rates. Bell Atlantic is (trying) to install ADSL where I live and, while the download is fast (640K), the upload is only 90K. I agree that's better than modems, but come on! I don't want the internet to be a broadcast type medium, that's what TVs are for! I don't want another kind of TV.
Why is it so outrageous to allow home users to have decent upload speeds? I say demand symmetric DSL!
I guess you're right. At least he knows that his code is too bad to release. I remember when I was learning to program, I had to rewrite things back then too.
You're upset. I understand. I remember when I was a child and I learned Santa Claus didn't exist (oops, I hope I haven't spoiled anything for you!) Anyway, it is hard when someone points out that what you think you know is all wrong. It's ok, there there, that's it, let it all out. Maybe if you talk to mommy and dady they can talk you through this. Maybe they'll give you a lollypop!
Slashdot Mirror
How nice! The mayor finally did something good for internet access. Let's hope it actually happens.
Hmm, might give it a try. Still, the idea of using something non-GPL/BSD like is a little scarry.
I live on Columbus Ave, not to far from the Castle, where it all takes place!!
If ignoance is bliss, you must be very happy indeed.
Oh then I guess it must be jmott@fuckingstupidasss.edu!
Ok, Mr. Jesus killer, if you think you're so smart, what's better, an Audi A6 or a SAAB 9-5?
Depends, coax ethernet only uses one!
After having used Linux for several years now, I much prefer vi on the command line over linuxconf et al. You know exactly what file you're changing so you can make a backup in case your changes don't work and it's easy to do the configuration from a remote host.
What the new user lacks is a comprehensive view of what services need to be configured on their system and what files and options are generally used to cofigure those services. Linuxconf provides the view, but it hides the actions actions it takes and the files it modifies.
I propose that we make a simple HTML and/or text based document that provies a reasonably comprehensive list of all services and options that one typically wants to configure on a Linux system. The document would have a section for each service and the sections would be no more detailed than necessary to provide the new user with the knowledge to minimally configure that service, (bascially allow them to configure as much as GUI tools typically allow.) This kind of document is good for many reasons: 1) I means GUI tools don't have to be written. 2) It builds user's knowledge of their system. 3) It reduces dependency on those magic GUI configuration tools that limit the user's control of thier own system.
The HTML/text configuration files I'm talking about already exist in my company, and I'm sure in many other companies too. We have lots of HTML documentation on getting Linux running in our environment. This information could be easily adopted for more general use
Hey, maybe this is another project for me!
Maybe if you explain your position, rather than just stating it, you might not sound like such a clueless blowhard. Then again, maybe you'll sound like more of one :)
Yeah! My thoughts exactly!
We haven't had any snow yet this winter
Wow, I'm moving to SF this spring and now I'll definately check out the Mission, just to piss you off. Hey, it's a free country.
Off topic I know, but I thought it was particularly amusing.
It's not worthless at all, InterBase is quite nice. It's just hard to compete these days. As I mentioned in a previous post, most of their problems are marketing not technical.
Stored procedures are really nice, but if you need transactions you can't develop a robust appliation with out them. You can develop an appliation without stored procedures, it's just more painful.
Thanks for contributing the requisite uninformed Windows/NT user's perspecitive!
Most products fail because of marketing, not because they're bad. I don't give a damn about marketing, I'll use any good product that fits my needs. InterBase is a really good product and I'd welcome it to OpenSource.
If this is a serious question, and not a troll, you should a) become familiar with SQL and b) compare the feature set of MySQL and inprise. MySQL is good for a lot of things, but it is a full SQL implementation.
on his shirt. Man, that guy's got ATTITUDE! Either that, or he's really hung over.
A little humor got your shorts in a knot?
My SDSL is 384K and it's $60/month. It's more expensive than cable because cable is not available where I live so there's no competition.
Something that makes me really unhappy is that the very service I use is cheaper in the neighborhoods around my city where cable is available. Once these guys have to compete they'll have to either raise the speed or lower the price (or both) and making trasfer speeds symmetric is one more way to make their service more appealing.
By the way, I signed up for ADSL from Flashcom but I got SDSL because ADSL wasn't available yet (yay!)
I'm sick of asymetric upload/download rates. Bell Atlantic is (trying) to install ADSL where I live and, while the download is fast (640K), the upload is only 90K. I agree that's better than modems, but come on! I don't want the internet to be a broadcast type medium, that's what TVs are for! I don't want another kind of TV.
Why is it so outrageous to allow home users to have decent upload speeds? I say demand symmetric DSL!
seek counciling please
I guess you're right. At least he knows that his code is too bad to release. I remember when I was learning to program, I had to rewrite things back then too.
You're upset. I understand. I remember when I was a child and I learned Santa Claus didn't exist (oops, I hope I haven't spoiled anything for you!) Anyway, it is hard when someone points out that what you think you know is all wrong. It's ok, there there, that's it, let it all out. Maybe if you talk to mommy and dady they can talk you through this. Maybe they'll give you a lollypop!