Introduction to Linux: A Hands on Guide
I know the word 'Linux,' but that's about it. As someone whom others will say finds comfort in structure and routine, then perhaps it will be appreciated how much I appreciated an article about a system I know next to nothing about...except for those commercials that came out several years ago.
Anyway, since I'm doing this whole library thing, here's what grabbed my attention:
-Obviously, I'm beginning to see how important linux is. "It is also worth to note that modern Linux not only runs on workstations, mid- and high-end servers, but also on "gadgets" like PDA's, mobiles, a shipload of embedded applications and even on experimental wristwatches. This makes Linux the only operating system in the world covering such a wide range of hardware." However, what was the alternative to linux? I'm assuming (though I can't be sure) that another operating system would have been today's linux.
-"Whether Linux is difficult to learn depends on the person you're asking." That's certainly true. But - "[e]xperienced UNIX users will say no, because Linux is an ideal operating system for power-users and programmers, because it has been and is being developed by such people." That's comforting. Logically, that makes a lot of sense, although I have my doubts because such an undertaking doesn't account for user efficiency, I think, since everyone seems to have their own whims. Still, it's made me more open to using a linux operating system since the, apparently, main developers don't have the attitude of Nick Burns (see: RTFM).
-Taking a turn for the worse, I found section 1.3.2 to be almost too technical.
-""Quot capites, tot rationes", as the Romans already said: the more people, the more opinions. At first glance, the amount of Linux distributions can be frightening, or ridiculous, depending on your point of view." Precisely my point earlier. I may be able to find everything I need, but suspect there's more to learning the system then that. Also, obsessive as I am, I'd still feel in the dark if I didn't know everything about it.
-After reading this article, I'm not sure I feel more like I'm more of a novice or better informed. I'll have to read further in-depth and, more importantly, brush up on technical terms that I still don't have a full grasp on.
Mac OS X
-This article was a little easier to understand...less formal and better written for the layperson.
-I still use the standard PC Windows computer. It's what I'm used to. However, I'm meeting more and more people who swear by Macs; after reading this article, I'm not sure why. It's still a relatively new system for me to learn, although I'm more familiar with it than I am any other system outside of the Microsoft applications.
-The "architecture" section is just as technical as the most technical parts of the prior article, although, like I said, I'm a little more familiar with the terminology, so that makes it easier.
-"Life is still much better for a developer on Windows than on Mac OS X - no matter what one might think of the usability, etc. of Windows. Apple has been trying to improve things for developers lately, which is a good sign." Although I really don't know for sure, I can only concur with this statement. The author does state that Apple is improving in this area, though. If you're a Mac user, I'd really like to hear more about this and why you've chosen a Mac. Some of this is answered in the conclusion.
-Although I mainly commented on the first Mac OS X article, I found the wikipedia entry easier to digest and more organized in a way that I could understand it.
An Update on the Windows Roadmap
-As you could probably tell from my notes above, this article makes much more sense. I must say, though, that I don't care for Vista. I much prefer XP - many of the functions shut down. For example, if I'm running Internet Explorer (I haven't used Mozilla on Vista yet) and the program doesn't respond, and have more than one window up, Vista automatically shuts down all open windows, which is extremely frustrating. If I donated a nickel to PITT every time I cursed when this happened, I could probably pay for my tuition this semester. The only reason I have Vista is because I just bought my laptop about year ago, and it was on there instead of XP.
-Hmmm, apparently I can go back to XP for free? According to the article, there are more advantages to owning Vista, but I can't see any appreciable differences outside of the better video. Again, I probably don't use my computer enough beyond the basic capabilities of any usable system, but perhaps Vista is worth the problems right now. My level of literacy allows me to accomplish what I want with ease, though I'd be interested in hearing what I'm missing and how it could make my life easier.
-Like the article says, I find Vista compatible with other applications of the past....at least the ones I've used.
-By the end of the article, I'm not sure if I should go back to XP. Microsoft only supports it until 2014, and if they're continuing to make improvements to Vista, then I guess wouldn't mind keeping it. As far as looks are concerned, I like that better, but I'm still convinced XP is the way to go. Until it gets better, I might just have to look forward to Windows 7.
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3 comments:
I agree with your opinion about Vista. While i had the excitement of getting a new laptop a few months ago, it sadly also brought me Vista, when I was very use to XP. The only thing I actually find funny about the new Vista commercial Jerry Seinfeld is its timing and claim that there are true consumers and not actors. I figure there is no point to return to the old ways of XP, must progress and move forward, haha, and wait for the next, hopefully better program
I have both a Mac and a PC, and the Mac just makes a lot more sense in terms of how things are organized on the screen and in terms of finding files. I grew up using a Mac LCII, went to Windows, and came back to OS X and it was a breeze. No doubt some developers are having trouble, but Macs run plenty of Windows applications, and for some reason you can save Microsoft Word docs as .pdf (Acrobat) files on a Mac, but not on a PC.
That being said, switching to a new OS you've never used before can be daunting, and Windows works fine for the far majority of computer users.
I'll post this over here instead of at my blog. If you're thinking about a mac, but aren't sure about the OS, I think it's best to play around with one. Ask a friend, go to a computer store that has one out on display, or maybe a library near you has one. You've got some mac experience, and the younger you are, the easier I think it is to make the switch. I don't drink the kool-aid on macs, so no, it won't be a life-altering experience to get one, but I do think it makes computing easier. Whether that's worth $1200 or so is an individual decision.
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