Date: 5/12/98
To: The Debian Org.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: Bert Conliffe
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: The Debian Starter System
Background: For the past few months I've been reading on all fronts
about the superiority of Linux over the incoming Windows '98 and the
Windows NT systems. Having used MSDOS and the windows systems for
quite a few years; and not being overly impressed with making Bill
Gates a trillionare, I decided to start out with the Basic Debian
system.
Experience: I have been around computers for a few years, and I
have some experience on various pcs and with IBM and Burroughs main
frames. Therefore, I thought that I had enough background to try
Debian Linux.
History: The download from Sunsite went well, and I got the
required files. Made diskettes from these files, installed them
on a seperate hard disk, and brought up Debian Linux. For someone
with no Linux experience, it was tedious, but not impossible.
Now that I have the basic Debian installed what do I do?
Having seen and read about "How To's" at various linux sites; well,
I figured this is the place to get basic information, and structure
to start off on Debian. After a couple weeks on checking various
sites (first off Debian's); I found Guido Gonzato's excellent,
Configuration - How To. At last, I can get started on configuring
and learning to use Debian Linux!
Now frustration sets in. Guido's document does not refer to the
Debian system's structure. I am at a lost to relate to where to
find the files on my Debian system. I try seaching directories
for help, again leading to more frustration. Debian is not user
friendly, it is "novice frutrating", is there a special reason for
this?
The "plain vanilla Debian Linux" offers nothing for the "novice"
linux user. Would it have been too much to expect:
1. A document telling the "novice" what to do next.
2. A set of instructions on how to configure the system.
3. The simple basics required to administrate Debian.
4. Having manuals operational so that, one would have some
type of reference.
5. Just plain old "guidance".
If I am a novice who is just being oriented, dselect at this time
is a bit too much. What do I know about the requirements for package
installation. Even if I did download a package, how could I be sure
if I should have selected MSDOS or i386 items? After all I am
coming from a MSDOS sytem. That I should download packages.gz or
contents.gz. Please help me to walk (configure the system I just
installed), before you start " clocking " me for a 3:50 mile
(updating a system I can even configure, or access its reference
material).
Why couldn't the system be distributed with the documentation and
resources to implement LILO as the boot manager for dualbooting
MSDOG (as guru(s) fondly refer to the Bill Gates software).
Hey, I'm a "dummy", please treat me like one. I'm not writing
" C " programs at Berkley, MIT or Dusseldorf; I'm a beginner,
trying to get started. Please recognize that we're in a state
that requires " debian linux nurturing ". We want to learn to
use Debian, please help us, don't push us away. (Speaking for
other novices who fail to communicate their plight).
Yes, I've read about "O'reilly" books and all that stuff. But,
in this world, there are no Amazons or Barnes and Nobles on
every street corner. In Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Nigeria we
have a bit of a problem locating B&N and Amazon. If you give
us enough guidance to start with, we can play "catch up" later
on. The " first step " starts the journey.
Now, I know that Debian is a "freebie" organization and it depends
on volunteers. But, if you groom your "novices" properly, you may
just have your own " farm system " of volunteers down the road.
If you showed me how, I would even be willing to help you setup
what I stated in 1. thru 5. I don't even know your system, but,
I am willing to help.
Another Call for help!!!
Bert Conliffe
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