User:Dave
Intro To Dave
It's great to see an all encompassing Wiki to take on Linux. I enjoy Linux's versatility and that Linux can be customized at any level. It can be a business office productivity workstation, thin client kiosk, or it can even run in an embedded product.
I do wonder where the actual Linux Questions are? This is after all LinuxQuestions.org. Where do I find troubleshooting advice?
Territory
I've been using Linux for 3 solid years using Slackware soley. I am a programmer, and people like Crazyeddie shouldn't have to explain to me where the TLDP is.
The point being made is that there are tons of areas to fill in -- there's way to much work left for any sane computer user to play with Linux out-of-the-box. What I draw attention to are areas that people can investigate into. If you are new, read Homesteading the Noosphere. According to ESR, common law allows people to take and claim unclaimed land and call it their own. That idea is applied to the Linux phenomenon and the reasons/methods people will be willing to venture into a new realm. For instance, ESR created Fetchmail, and no other soul will write that same program again. If you want to Homestead the Noosphere, read below for areas to tackle!
Existing Linux Problems
I keep finding holes in Linux that need to be resolved.
- A Guide to the Linux Kernel needs to be desperately be written. Each chapter should cover each compilable category found in the configuration heirarchy! I still can't find a link or reference for many options I can find.
- Pop up configuration error messages should never pop! Hey, I want to walk up to a different network, plug in a laptop and not worry about different settings. Konqueror gives an error about the Lisa daemon, yet Konqueror can't work around with what is available. That daemon is poorly documented as well. The docs are hard to find and 3 years out of date.
- Sanity checks would be incredible advantage. How about a program/script that recommends changes, or more explainations why a certain option is ignored. Like for instance, why is the executable xhost no longer working properly for me? What if X Windows could evaluate if a problem exists that could lead to an error message.
- Simple scripts bundled with the Kernel could explain why key functions aren't working and suggest which options to add in a new Kernel compile.
- What if a program could make suggestions as to optional downloads. If it could be more routine for a program to make suggestions.
- Efforts should be done to make sure that there aren't any programs that work soley in a text console nor soley in a GUI.
- There shouldn't be a need to drop to a console from a GUI to do a certain task. For instance, listing only certain files matching a mask in Konqueror. How about including cd-rom and floppy icons next to the home directory tree?
- Wouldn't you think there'd be a quick guide describing the differences between the different file systems? People do tend to be new at first when they first install Linux.
- Linux Troubleshooting Howto needs to be written.
- Make Network file sharing on par with Windows by having Samba allow a .smb.conf file in each user's home directory. Those files will be shared by the access type alloted by the system.
Other Ideas
I'm thinking if it would be beneficial for their to be a complaint oriented web site. :) I have talked to a few people that tell me they can't get their sound card to work or work well. Where do they turn to try out Linux?
Conclusion
In the end; Wikis are great. The Wiki is the perfect ingredient for a fledging community.
Welp, see you around. I keep myself really busy, and hope to enpower my future leaving the door entirely open as a Linux consult! :)