How about some "clueless user" testimony about Debian? I am completely new to Linux and *nix in general (though I did play with an IBM RS/6000 at work once). I'm so clueless, I didn't even know that Debian was a difficult Linux distribution.
So, strictly out of curiosity (could a $6.00 set of CD's really give you a decent OS?), I installed Debian potato (2.2r3) a month ago on my home machine following the instructions at www.debian.org and at linux.com (http://Linux.com/learn/installguide/debian). I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that things worked out as advertised--for the basic installation. Got X and Gnome running, even. I soon realized that printers, sound cards, modems, and digitizing pads are not considered crucial parts of the system (at least for these installation guides). Took me a while to figure out how to get these working, but I eventually found the info I needed on the Internet. Someone who was less persistent than I was wouldn't have done it, I don't think. And judging from the messages on this list, these peripherals cause more problems than anything else. So--my experience is that the installation of a basic working Debian system is not too hard. Configuring peripherals is hard! BTW, is comparing OS's on their ease of installation useful outside the Linux world? I don't think many users of Windows have ever installed the OS. Now back to lurking-- Mark Garland Tallahassee, Florida ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marcus" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <debian-user@lists.debian.org> Sent: Sunday, June 24, 2001 4:34 PM Subject: Re: An *idea* that *might* put Debian on top (?) [snip] > One thing I definately agree on is that Debian could do with easier > installation, or at least more user guidance. > > Personally I decided on Debian after trying Suse and Red Hat first. > However, I've been following the Linux distro rankings in one computer > magazine (CHIP, Germany), and Debian is rated lowest amongst 7 others. > I think this is mainly due to lacking "user guidance" during setup and > package installation. I've not installed potato from scratch myself, > but I guess those ratings are based on potato. > > What is the general opinion? > That Debian is not for users who cannot deal with it the way > setup/maintenance is designed now, or that it is a goal to also include > users unfamiliar with the command line someday? > I believe Suse and Mandrake are following the latter path? NetZero Platinum No Banner Ads and Unlimited Access Sign Up Today - Only $9.95 per month! http://www.netzero.net