Re: [tlug] State of "Linux" documentation [C&C]

[Edward Middleton <emiddleton@example.com>]

Joe Larabell wrote:
> > > > Since when have they stopped distributing manuals as part of the
> > > > package, though?  You buy Solaris, you get a pretty good book.
> > >
> > > We didn't, unless you count the online documentation.
> >
> > man(1) will take you a long way.
>
> Third, I'm not sure I'd like living in a world where all computers 
> worked exactly the same. I can maybe see making them look pretty much 
> the same out of the box and allowing for customization later -- once 
> the user gets the feel for the basics. But it seems to me that's 
> exactly what RedHat tried to do for their commercial customers and 
> they're *still* catching flak for it. Can't win on that front, it seems.

The point is that basically all computers are the same, at both a 
hardware and software level.  If you look at Unix's they are all 
extremely similar.  You can obviously learn about a particular Unix by 
focusing on the unique implementation of some features, which is what 
you will get in a distribution specific book.  If you do this, every new 
Unix you learn will be a wonderful mystery ride, but who has the time 
for this?  If, however, you learn the common features of Unix systems 
then every Unix will be 'just another Unix' and man pages and the 
occasional Google will be sufficient for any differences.

Edward