[techtalk] Delurk/Getting started

[Martin.Caitlyn at epamail.epa.gov]

Hi, everyone,

I know this is a late reply, but...

> I'm *trying* to learn Linux.

Great!!!

> It ain't
> easy, since I don't have it installed anywhere yet, but the books are
> helping.

The only way to really learn is by doing.  I think you found that out
already :)

> At the moment, i'm downloading an ISO of SUsE 7.1, which
> seemed to be one of the better distro's for newbies. (Discuss?)

I haven't used SuSe, but I *know* that both Caldera OpenLinux and
Linux-Mandrake are *very* easy for newbies, and by reputation are supposed
to be easier that SuSe.  Since you've already installed SuSe successfully,
obviously it is more than easy enough for you :)

> That said, i'm a Linux geek at heart, but my brain isn't convinced. I
> love listening to people talking about it, and i'm trying SO hard to
> absorb everything I read. But i'm still unsteady.

Clue:  you will be for a while yet.  Most folks who switch from Windows ->
Linux with no previous *nix experience seem to spend about a week wondering
why they ever tried this crazy "geek toy", then a few weeks where they just
aren't sure.  After that they wonder how they ever managed to live with
that Microsoft junk.  The key is to get people to get through those few
weeks and not give up quickly.  Those who give up quickly become our
friendly neighborhood Linux bashers.

Wasn't it Linus Torvalds who said that "changing operating systems is like
performing brain surgery on yourself"? :)

Good luck!
Cait

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Caitlyn M. Martin             martin.caitlyn at epa.gov
Systems Analyst              (919) 541-4441
Lockheed Martin
(a contractor for the US EPA)
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