Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:09:22 -0500 From: Paul Schmehl <pauls@utdallas.edu> To: Latitude <robertjx@ix.netcom.com>, freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.org Subject: Re: Convince me, please! Message-ID: <99AEF7CC0DB4D26C9D523E95@paul-schmehls-powerbook59.local> In-Reply-To: <46BA9682.7020203@ix.netcom.com> References: <46BA9682.7020203@ix.netcom.com>
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--==========218EB094DE42650B3950========== Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Disposition: inline --On August 8, 2007 11:22:26 PM -0500 Latitude <robertjx@ix.netcom.com>=20 wrote: > I'm interested in changing over to FreeBSD from Windows, but I'll have > to say, you guys don't really present a forceful argument to Windows > users of how easy the switch may be. I get knee-deep in FreeBSD jargon > the second I get to your webpage. I need to see an overwhelming argument > that FreeBSD is a perfectly acceptable alternative for home desktop > users who have previously known only Windows. > I didn't see anyone who simply answered your questions, so here's my=20 attempt to do so. You're not going to get an "overwhelming argument" from FreeBSDers because = that's not how we work. If you want to try it out, be our guest. If you=20 find it frustrating and give up, none of us are going to be heartbroken by = your failure. If you're patient, and you ask enough questions, someone=20 here can solve every problem you run in to. > For instance, if I download and install FreeBSD, will I instantly have a > desktop windowing environment that I can navigate in while I figure out > what's going on? No. In fact, if you don't read the documentation first (and Windows users = seldom do), you will probably never get a desktop windowing environment.=20 You must configure your desktop environment before it will work. You must = also configure it so it starts up by default. > Will I have a browser and way to setup an internet > connection right off the bat? Depending upon which window manager you choose, you may not have a=20 browser. Depending upon what sort of internet connection you have, you=20 may never get connected. *Especially* if you don't first read the=20 documentation carefully and print it out so you have it handy during the=20 install phase. > How will I migrate files from other > operating systems? > You can mount almost any filesystem on the planet, so moving files to=20 FreeBSD is a snap. But you'd better read the documentation first, or=20 you'll never figure it out. > I understand you guys have been around for a while, but you don't seem > to understand the monumental "fear" involved in switching operating > systems. You need to address those concerns head on from the start. No, we don't. The idea behind FreeBSD is that you are the owner and=20 operator. That means you make all the decisions and you must understand=20 how to implement them. > I > need to see several screenshots of apps that I can use as alternatives > to what I have. > Not everything that's available on Windows *has* an alternative on=20 FreeBSD. Do you homework. Read the documentation. Don't expect others=20 to spoon-feed you because it's not going to happen. Paul Schmehl (pauls@utdallas.edu) Senior Information Security Analyst The University of Texas at Dallas http://www.utdallas.edu/ir/security/ --==========218EB094DE42650B3950==========--
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