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From: othman@oasys.pc.my (Othman Ahmad)
Newsgroups: comp.os.386bsd.misc,comp.os.linux.misc
Subject: Linux copies 386bsd-0.1
Message-ID: <8RJekc2w165w@oasys.pc.my>
Date: Thu, 07 Apr 94 08:53:42 +800
Organization: Telekom Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Lines: 40
The ease of installation of Slackware is similar to 386bsd-0.1 developed
by Lynne so this installation procedure, which was thought to be the MOST
important advantage of Linux is actually MODELLED after 386bsd-0.1
Not that I'm worried. In fact this is a good thing. 386bsd also copies from
Linux but I notice that it is harder because of the different design goals
of 386bsd. 386bsd is not designed for absolute beginners who do not want to
learn by themselves.
Installing Linux is hard for me even with Slackware because of the dangers
of partition corruption, because I'm more familiar with 386bsd, having learned
all about DOS and BSD partition information.
The reverse is true for people familiar with Linux. They will find it hard
to install to 386bsd because of the more advanced concepts in BSD systems,
unless they have worked with workstations before.
For example: the passwd in BSD is a layer affair with a separate master
password. There is available an adduser script for adding users automatically,
but I find it not reliable and not that easy to use. Who can remember the
command lines. using vipw is much easier and more productive unless you
are a Linux user, because he could have remembered all the command lines
by heart.
This 2 layer password is the next step for Linux to follow unless it prefers
EASE of use above security, which in the first place, leads us to the question,
whether DOS should be ideal for them.
For beginners I tend to advise Linux not because it is easier to install,
but because there are a lot more beginners trying linux and are more willing
to share their knowledge with others, judged from the Linux newsgroup.
*BSD especially NetBSD tend to cater for more experienced users of BSD systems,
the REAL unix ones. FreeBSD should be easier for beginners judging from its
installation Notes.
SABAH is HEAVEN. Beautiful islands, mountains and jungles are next to 5 star
hotels. There are no natural and very few man-made disasters,
BUT for how long will it last?
Disclaimer: I only speak for myself