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Date:      Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:09:31 +0100
From:      eoghan <freebsd@redry.net>
To:        Giorgos Keramidas <keramida@ceid.upatras.gr>
Cc:        Tom <tzons@comcast.net>, freebsd-questions@freebsd.org, Bill Moran <wmoran@collaborativefusion.com>
Subject:   Re: Help?
Message-ID:  <4435211B.3060407@redry.net>
In-Reply-To: <20060406140436.GA10773@gothmog.pc>
References:  <000001c65907$42db76c0$6401a8c0@thomas> <20060406094921.478b5cc3.wmoran@collaborativefusion.com> <20060406140436.GA10773@gothmog.pc>

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Giorgos Keramidas wrote:
> On 2006-04-06 09:49, Bill Moran <wmoran@collaborativefusion.com> wrote:
>> "Tom" <tzons@comcast.net> wrote:
>>> I am just looking at Free BSD as a Windows alternative.  I
>>> have a home workgroup that I am out growing and wanting to do
>>> more with, but don't want to give MS any more Hundreds of hard
>>> earned dollars.
>>>
>>> My first question is where can I find a site that will list
>>> all approved or thoroughly checked out hardware to build a
>>> "box" (motherboards, and the like).  I don't have the time, or
>>> patience to get into major software conflicts or bugs. I want
>>> to follow a A to B to C box build and software setup. Is there
>>> someone (or more) to guide me through the process? Is there a
>>> website with complete and accurate information on it? Is there
>>> a "BSD for idiots" instruction book that's current? Is there a
>>> BSD project team working with manufactures and touting their
>>> successes?  Help!
>> Don't use FreeBSD.  I know this will be an unpopular post on
>> this list, but you've said a number of things that tell me that
>> you will be unsuccessful with FreeBSD:
>> 1) You don't seem to have any Unix experience
>> 2) You're coming from a Windows world
>> 3) You don't have time or patience
>>
>> #3 is particularly important, given #1 and #2.  FreeBSD _will_
>> take you some time to understand.  It _will_ take some time and
>> effort to get it working the way you want.  Since you are
>> totally new to it, it _will_ require patience.
>>
>> If you don't have time or patience to learn right now, you're
>> setting yourself up for failure.  When you do have some time
>> and patience, we'll be happy to help you through your learning
>> curve.  If you're looking for a fast, easy fix, you're not
>> going to find it by switching operating systems to something
>> you know nothing about.
>>
>> I've seen a number of people bash Linux and the BSDs because
>> they wanted a simple, cheap solution to Windows and did not
>> have the time or patience to work through the learning curve.
>> Unless I've misinterpreted your email and you do have some Unix
>> experience, this is not a good time to make the switch.
> 
> No, this post shouldn't be unpopular on this list.
> 
>   * It was written in a clear, non-confrontational, civilized tone.
>   * It explains why making the switch to FreeBSD may turn out badly.
>   * It also makes it very clear that time and effort _is_ required.
> 
> Tom, please read carefully what Bill Moran has written.  Even if
> I tried, I would probably fail to put it all in better words.
> 
> Then, if you decide that you _have_ the patience and time to
> switch, feel free to ask any question about FreeBSD here :)
> 
> - Giorgos

Yes, I agree. Although I had the luxury of having two machines, the 
other being a mac, so I could play with unix on that. I also dumped 
windows on my pc and decided on freeBSD. At first, I had trouble 
installing and configuring it. But with some time and this list I am up 
and running and get more and more comfortable with it each day.
So if you have a spare pc lying around, try it out on this first till 
you get comfortable, and then go for it.
Eoghan



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