Michael Polak wrote:
>
> There is BIG reason why Arachne should be (optionaly)
> to configure PPP interface, because:
> 1) it is one of hardest tasks in every Linux distribution;
> there are always some unexpected problems
Linux newbies are always going to have problems, with
all sorts of things. It's a steep learning curve.
Point-and-click tools only delay the process.
> 2) currently all working user-friendly PPP setup tools
> known are X, or even KDE/GNOME based,
I've only used YAST once (a long time ago) and I think
it did ppp configuration without X.
> which is not good for users of older and slower PCs
As a person running Linux on 486s, I am particularly
interested in this aspect. Linux works well on old
hardware, but only if you eliminate unnecessary bloat.
Unfortunately, all the mainstream distributions are
now bloated with "user-friendly features". As a result,
the users of old hardware must learn how to strip out
the bloat and get down to the basic Linux. Such users
must delve deeply into the man pages and HOWTOs. Such
users must become proficient in editing startup scripts
and configuration files.
Therefore, an experienced user of old hardware does
not need an Arachne setup wizard to configure his ppp.
He can quite happily do that himself.
> 3) I would eventualy like to do special Arachne-based,
> minimal Linux distribution...
YES! YES! YES!
I have been promoting this idea for a long time
(getting thoroughly flamed in the process). Such
a mini-distribution will be aimed at non-Linux users
and will definitely require an automated setup for
everything (including PPP). This will provide a
no-fuss introduction to Linux Arachne for newbies
and will enable loyal users of DOS Arachne an easy
way to try out (and debug) the Linux version.
Cheers,
Steven
