Re: Linux is not...

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Date: Sun, 12 Jun 2005 16:44:44 GMT

I've been visiting this newsgroup for the last couple of months, mostly
trying to find a version of Linux that will free me from the clutches of
Microsoft. Mot that I'm saying that MS is all bad... I remember the state of
microcomputing before the IBM PC arrived, and it was total chaos. Every
company had their own concept of how the software should be written, and
there was essentially NO compatibility, no ability to transfer programs from
one system to another. The few computer stores that existed had shelves
divided into software for this system, software for that system, and
software for systems that nobody can even remenber now! The MS/PC standard
may be mediocre, but at least it is a standard, and I can buy or download
software and expect it to run in just about any PC I try it on.

That's what I was hoping for from Linux, but after downloading several LIVE
CD versions, I've found that they all do a great job of automatically
setting up video and audio (something MS never got right!), but fall short
when it comes to modems, USB devices, or just about any other hardware. Yes,
I know there are places to go and stuff to download that promises to help
me, but I just don't have the time/energy/insight to do it right now.

Like the author of the original post in this thread, I've been wanting a
system that just plain WORKS, out of the box, and is reliable, not needing
constant attention to the underlying operating system. Something that would
allow me to install "applications" that I want or need, update them as
necessary, and would work with added hardware that I decide I want to use.
Being (relatively) immune to "malware" would be nice, but the biggest
attraction would be the LOW MAINTENANCE aspect. I was hoping that the Linux
LIVE CD systems would provide this functionality for me, but I've been
disappointed so far.

However, I've come to realize that I do, in fact, have such a system
already! It's my HP Ipaq 2215 handheld. The operating system is in firmware,
which allows me to update it if necessary (already have once), but makes it
relatively safe from corruption. It's up and running instantly when I turn
it on, no waiting for bootup and stabilization. I can download and install a
variety of programs to augment the ones already in place. For example, I
have a mapping program installed that allows me to find addresses in my area
(Atlanta) while sitting in a meeting, and I've interfaced it to my GPS
receiver so it can plot my travels. It's not as nice as a built-in GPS would
be in a car, but a whole lot cheaper, and I can carry it around in my
pocket. I use the built-in media player to play .WMA files, and have
installed a few video and .JPG viewers as well. The microphone allows me to
record meetings or quick notes to a memory card. I have an 802.11 card that
lets me connect to wireless hotspots for checking email or websites. There
are some games, and more if I want to download them.

This is not an advertisement for the Ipaq system... I'm sure there are many
other equally good products out there, probably even better since mine is
getting old by computer standards! The point is, IT WORKS! It doesn't
require constant attention, upgrading, updating, purging, restoring, etc....
(I do have a backup image, and periodically blank the software and
re-install from the image, but the OS is unchanged and the whole process
takes maybe 5 or 6 minutes). If this device was transformed into a larger,
full-screen system, perhaps with a little more hardware (CD-DVD drive,
dial-up modem, camera), yet retained the software stability, I'd be very
happy. I thought the tablet computers would fit this niche, but I'm not sure
they are quite the same. They could be, though!

m9876c at yahoo dot com

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