Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2003 17:56:12 -0700 (MST) From: Warren Block <wblock@wonkity.com> To: Bluezmo <bluezmo@earthlink.net> Cc: FreeBSD-Questions@FreeBSD.ORG Subject: Learning With FreeBSD Message-ID: <20030320174108.Q45688@wonkity.com> In-Reply-To: <JMEAJACIKMIJMPNGDNNJGEGICAAA.bluezmo@earthlink.net> References: <JMEAJACIKMIJMPNGDNNJGEGICAAA.bluezmo@earthlink.net>
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On Thu, 20 Mar 2003, Bluezmo wrote: > 1) If I don't find specific hardware listed in the hardware list, does that > mean the drivers aren't available period? No. Usually, most things work, and the hardware list just mentions specifics. It's vague, but then it's free, too. > People expound on the advantages > of open source code being ultimately customizable. In short, if the drivers > aren't available for a device, and the kernel can't be configured, what can > be done (if anything) to get the device to function? Write a device driver... probably nontrivial. > 2) Given the scenario (and post discussion with other "inux" users) it has > been suggested that I try Linux initially to get my feet wet in the "inux" > environment. My buddy says to stick with BSD. It depends on what you want to do. FreeBSD excels as a server. It also works well as a desktop, although you have to install the extra stuff to make it into one. Linux tends to be the other way around, installing tons of user-level stuff, and X is often installed by default. > So, if someone is out there & cares to perhaps elaborate, it would be > appreciated. I have several computers, Windows & Macintosh & want to learn > UNIX. It depends on what you want to learn. FreeBSD is a pretty good learning environment--you can start with the base system and add on things from ports. If you are more interested in using end-user tools in a Unix environment, it's hard to beat stuff like the Linux Knoppix live CD. [Installing FreeBSD on a notebook can be challenging. 4.x doesn't like Cardbus cards, and 5.0 is very new and not yet polished. If you post the brand and model of your PC card, someone may be able to tell you if it works.) -Warren Block * Rapid City, South Dakota USA To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-questions" in the body of the message
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