I want to master Linux. I figure there are two ways to learn Linux system administration and usage. The first is to install a distribution and then explore it's nooks and crannies. The second is to begin with a seed and *grow* the nooks and crannies as needed. The former method is overwhelmingly used; I'd like to see more of the latter, because it's the more effective approach for advanced studies.
I believe that the second approach is superior because complexity is best understood when the student understands why the complexity was introduced in the first place. And the best way to accomplish *that* is to present the student with the problems that the complexity was originally introduced to solve. Then when they are stumped, you can give them the answer and they can say, "ah". WRT GNU/Linux in general and the Debian distribution in particular, there are several aspects of the OS that still baffle me, and frankly intimidate me with their complexity. The boot process is one of these, as is the nature of the filesystem, dev and proc in particular. Logging is opaque to me. There are many aspects of the system where it is not clear where the responsibilities of one program ends and the other begins. I find the blurred distinction between shell scripts and compiled programs to be confusing. Not to mention the dizzying array of configuration files and their baroque syntax! I am looking to understand and manipulate a Linux system with the minimum number of tools to accomplish certain simple goals. The goals increase in complexity. Tools should be introduced only as needed to accomplish a goal that is simply impossible (or would require an inordinate amount of shell or c work) with a current toolset. Is there some resource that takes this approach to learning Linux? Would others find this approach useful? Are there any Linux gurus and/or students interested in trying this approach? (It seems impossible for a student to teach themselves in this way, as laying out the goals and meting out the tools requires an expert level of understanding. In particular, setting up a system that is either actually devoid of tools are has many aspects 'turned off' is a rather daunting task.) What do ya think? Thanks, Josh Rehman, LGW -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]