[plug] things I need for a debian install?

[Peter Wright]

On Fri, Feb 08, 2002 at 09:52:14PM +0800, Craig Reynolds wrote:
[ ... ]
> So to this end, I have decided to do a debian install at some stage, as a
> learning exercise (unless someone suggests otherwise).

The only thing I'll say is that the value of Debian only really becomes
apparent as you use it over an extended period of time - you _probably_
won't get all that much from just installing and playing with it for a bit.

Unless you're quite literally just wanting to install it to gain some
confidence and experience in the installation process. Which is a
reasonable idea I guess :).

If I've got that right, then I'd also suggest that after you've tried
Debian, you might like to try installing NetBSD (and perhaps even OpenBSD
if you're feeling really enthused). I found installing and using both of
these for a bit really helped to solidify my understanding of operating
systems in general and Linux in particular - in much the same way as
installing and using Linux can help you to understand things about
Microsoftean operating systems.

Always good to get a different perspective.

> So I am wondering if anyone can recommend a few must have resources for
> when I get around to doing this?

The only thing I'd really _strongly_ recommend is another working and
network-enabled machine nearby, preferably with the Debian install
documentation up in a web browser.

Alternatively, if you have a copy of VMWare, that's a _really_ good way to
easily try out a few different Linux distros and/or *BSDs. Especially if
you're just wanting to install and play with a few OSs for a short time - I
believe you can get a 30-day free trial for VMWare/Windows - not sure about
VMWare for Linux. Have a look at the VMWare site ( http://www.vmware.com/ )
for more info.

> § ©raig ®eynolds §

Pete.
-- 
http://akira.apana.org.au/~pete/
Klingon programmer sayings:
1. "Our users will know fear and cower before our software. Ship
it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"