*BSD News Article 99662


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From: pavanas@meridio.ccia.com (pavanas abludo incusus)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc
Subject: Re: Gotta Love Those FreeBSD Installs
Date: 14 Jul 1997 19:15:35 GMT
Organization: Aragorn Asteria
Lines: 65
Message-ID: <slrn5skuoe.eie.pavanas@meridio.ccia.com>
References: <5p9v93$ncp$1@207.18.94.16> <5pkl7h$kf8$1@the-fly.zip.com.au> <33C690EE.167E@nas.nasa.gov>
Reply-To: pavanas@bbs.mpcs.com
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Xref: euryale.cc.adfa.oz.au comp.unix.bsd.freebsd.misc:44430

On Fri, 11 Jul 1997 13:00:46 -0700,
 Hugh LaMaster <lamaster@nas.nasa.gov> mused and hath written:

>> pavanas abludo incusus (pavanas@meridio.ccia.com) wrote:
>> >
>> > Each and every time am install is a real adventure unlike those ho-hum
>> > sedate Linux ones. This last escapade brought up a few questions.
>
>Actually, although I'm new to FreeBSD, I have to say that it (now)
>installs more easily than almost all commercial systems.  [It
>wasn't so nice under 2.0.x etc.].  Also, the basic operating system
>is more stable and secure than some commercial Unix systems,
>not to mention vastly more stable than some popular commercial 
>non-Unix systems.  However, I can't compare it to linux since
>I have no experience there; perhaps linux is even easier to install
>and even more stable.  At this point, though, FreeBSD seems easy
>enough.  In short, I'm very impressed by the basic OS; it seems
>surprisingly mature for "server" applications.
>
>So, I'm surprised to see complaints specifically about the 
>installs, either on 2.2.1, 2.2.2, or 3.0-current.
>
>
You, of course seem to have quite a bit of experience in installing balky
software. This will tend to cause one to overlook difficulties in
installations. I have managed to in the end have a fully function FreeBSD
O/S. Although I have migrated to FreeBSD because its stabiltity and
security, it is also understood that there is nothing inherently wrong
with Linux. I just wanted to see FreeBSD operation and performance first
hand. I know of no other easy way short of installing it.

The posts are to share some of the little things that do not quite 
work as advertised. Too often, those who work in the developement and 
maintainance of complex software systems, do not see or attach any
particular significance to these little niggling potholes on the road 
to a successful install. 

They by rote know how to deal with them and do so without a moment of
reflection. It is the same for the technical literature that accompanies
these systems. It is all perfectly clear and understandable to anyone
submerged in it, but somewhat of a mystery to those newly acquainted with
it.    

Why? Because it is a given to those writing and maintaining said
documentation that all the prerequiste knowledge is both known and
understood by those who will be reading said material. This works great
for those in that milieu but is mystifying to newcomers. 


>
>
>-- 
>  Hugh LaMaster, M/S 258-5,     ASCII Email: 
>hlamaster@mail.arc.nasa.gov
>  NASA Ames Research Center     Or:           lamaster@nas.nasa.gov
>  Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000  No Junkmail:  USC 18 section 2701
>  Phone:  415/604-1056          Disclaimer:   Unofficial, personal
>*opinion*.


-- 
IHS
pavanas
	We are but dust and shadow.
					Quintus Horatius Flaccus