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



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


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