Penguin
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Ivan's (Slowly) evolving page.

As per prodding from AristotlePagaltzis, I've decided to put some more about me here ;-)

I've been using Linux, intermittently, for about 4 years. It all started when I was to investigate the usefulness of Linux as production servers (File, Web, Firewall, DHCP, DNS, etc,). I chose to not install X, but in stead try to learn more about Linux, using the CLI (aka 'The Dark Place') only. That was one of the toughest projects that I ever undertook, but one of the most rewarding. I decided that Linux was great for server applications, but that is was not quite mature enough to replace MicrosoftWindows as a desktop GUI. For a period after moving to NZ, there was a bit of a Linux drought for me, but soon after moving to Hamilton, I discovered the WLUG. I picked up a copy of Ubuntu 5.04 at a meeting. I tried Ubuntu on a Pentium 233Mhz as a test. I was converted! IMHO the Linux GUI / Desktop OS has (finally) arrived. Linux has become accessible to the LinuxNewbie. Finally the LinuxDistribution looks, feels, functions, and even improves on commercial OSes. Simple to install, great to use, easy to customize and install new applications. There must be other Distros that could compete, it's just that Ubuntu is such a well thought-out all-round product. Especially if for people who just want to get on with it, and don't really want to get to involved with tinkering with the technology to much.

Some of my Preferences are:

  • Ubuntu - for ease of use/installation for general purpose desktop box
  • Midnight Commander - for CLI filemanager/general text editor. I just think mc is a fantastic app.
  • I really have fallen in love with the whole Wiki concept. What a great way to collaborate! Some free Wiki services I've found are: http://www.schtuff.com/ or http://www.seedwiki.com/

As far as the Linux vs MicrosoftWindows ReligiousWar is concerned, I prefer Linux for:

  • server applications such as Web, Firewall, DHCP, DNS, etc.
  • Flexible desktop systems (i.e. simple lightweight desktop GUIs for use on older as well as newer hardware)
  • Custom-building an OS (i.e. SysRescueCd, Overclockix, GeeXboX, Smoothwall)

I use MicrosoftWindows were:

  • I need to run MS software (in my case, some MultiMedia & Educational applications and MicrosoftOutlook.)
  • I require to run custom-build applications. (Mainly at work)
  • Compatibility with other MS users.

On the whole though, I am trying to move completely to Linux, unfortunately this is not possible at this stage.

Well, that's enough soul-searching, for the moment. Hopefully I'll be inspired to update this page soon (or not depending on your point of view).


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