Jon Upchurch

Let me start by saying I love Linux.  I’ve been using it casually since ‘91 or ‘92.  I’m not an expert, but it reminds me of why I like computers and it makes me a bit nostalgic for the days when 98% of people could barely operate a computer if at all.  My problem with Linux however is that aside from the Kernel, there’s almost no standardization between distributions and versions.  On Windows, if I want to install an app, it’s pretty straightforward how to do it.  Even on a server, getting an app running is usually a routine exercise. Configuring an app is different, but just getting it working should be easy.

Not so in Linux. You’ve got to know what libraries are installed, which means you have to know your install version inside and out.  Then, different distros of Linux need different things.  I’m currently juggling Red Hat Enterprise Linux and CentOS 5, but I’ve got experience with BSD Unix, SUSE, Fedora, Ubuntu, gOs, Debian, and Knoppix.  None of these work the same.

Those of you who work with Linux daily and are experts probably laugh, but Linux is always something I’ve been casual with. I’ve been using computers for 28 years or so, and I struggle with Linux sometimes.  People dog Windows, but Windows *WORKS* and most anyone can *USE* it.  Linux is better in efficiency but nowhere near in usability!

Anyhow, I’ll eventually get it all figured out.  The problem is in the time it takes me to get it working I could have had 5 Windows boxes up… =/