What are your Linux habits?
A blog entry called the The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Linux Users got my attention. Some of the things mentioned in the entry were taught to me by my friends and contacts as soon as they learned that I was about to use Linux.
The list includes not using the graphical user interface when logged in as root, giving your files good names (the ones which don’t use spaces. etc. in the names), place the home folder in a separate partition. Actually, I’ve been placing /home in a separate folder since I don’t know when. I realized later on, especially because I still dual boot on my laptop, that having the home folder in a separate partition makes it easier for me to move files around. It’s just there. Though of course I have to remove some dot files because they won’t work or they are not applicable, at least I have them all in one place. Also, when it crashes, I find it easier to move the files in that partition.
However, I think that distro-hopping has its advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of distro-hopping is that you get an idea of what it’s like using various distros. Sometimes the major difference lies in the package management system. Sometimes it’s the way a distro enables users to configure some things. Also, it allows you to see which distro seems more appropriate for your hardware and stuff because there are times when you see that certain devices you use are supported better in other distros. But distro-hopping isn’t really a good thing if you immediately give up using one distro just because. One dilemma I have with distro-hopping is that you might switch distros too quickly and then give up using Linux altogether when you get frustrated.
How about you? What are your Linux habits?
Tags: habits
1 opinion for What are your Linux habits?
Rami Taibah
Apr 18, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Clair, I never intended to say “distro hopping” is an effective habit. If you re-read it, you will see that I advised using virtualization, another partition, or a stand alone system for all your experimenting. I also said that you should install your “perfect” system before you experiment, and then use one of the aforementioned methods….this is not “distro hopping” as you put it, but merely going on an adventure in FOSSland :D If one discovers a new distro or method of doing stuff during the adventure then great, if not then s/he will go back to the base system :)
A lot misunderstood me, I am just here to clarify my position :)
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