[scribus] Thanx for replies to `I FINALLY MADE THE PLUNGE"

[Carl Symons]

> Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:35:48 -0700
> From: Joe Zeff <joe at zeff.us>
> Subject: Re: [scribus] Thanx for replies to `I FINALLY MADE THE
>        PLUNGE"
> To: Scribus User Mailing List <scribus at lists.scribus.net>
> Message-ID: <4C980BF4.3090402 at zeff.us>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> On 09/20/2010 11:18 AM, Robert Marma wrote:
>> Carl Symons, Joe Zeff, Sveinn ? Felli, Jim Ford, AND anyone else kind enough to
>> comment,
>>
>> First of all, let me make it clear that it is not my intention to trigger a
>> `Linux distro' flame war, and I sincerely hope this won't turn out to be the
>> case.
>
> You're more than welcome.  I tried to make my comments/suggestions as
> distro-neutral as I could, because I don't really care what distro you
> use.  I use one, my sister uses another because that one's more suitable
> to her than the fairly-geeky one I prefer.  Use whatever distro is right
> for you because you're the one using it, not me.
>
________________________________________
> Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:45:46 -0700
> From: Joe Zeff <joe at zeff.us>
> Subject: Re: [scribus] Thanx for replies to `I FINALLY MADE THE
>        PLUNGE"
> To: Scribus User Mailing List <scribus at lists.scribus.net>
> Message-ID: <4C980E4A.7030309 at zeff.us>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> On 09/20/2010 12:27 PM, John Jason Jordan wrote:
>> Including a package in a repository without including all
>> of the libraries and other dependencies for the package as well leads
>> to what is known as "dependency hell," a phrase you will come to hate.
>> Again, Debian based distros tend to do a slightly better job of this,
>
> I use Fedora, and know of only one such problem.  Not that the
> dependencies aren't there, the package doesn't list them properly.
> Thus, you "just have to know" that when you install it, you also install
> something else.  However, it's not something you'll install "just
> because," and if you run across it on the help forum, you'll also find
> the warning about the dependency.
>
> That's why I recommended, earlier, sticking to stuff in your official
> repositories if possible.  If you let your package manager (Yast,
> apt-get, yum, emerge or whatever) do the work, you'll not only get the
> program installed with minimum fuss, you'll get the dependencies pulled
> in automagically.  And, of course, at update time, everything goes much
> smoother too.  Find yourself a good support forum, join it and use it;
> there are lots of us out there ready, willing and able to help.
>

I wholeheartedly agree with both of Joe Zeff's comments.

I use a particular Linux distro for a number of reasons. It was
initially recommended by someone who listened to what I wanted and
suggested trying this particular one. I have since gotten involved in
editing and providing assistance for people using that distribution.
It feels like home to me. However, it's not for everyone. I am
acquainted with several openSUSE-ans. Some work for Novell; others are
volunteers; others are users. Outstanding bunch of people, committed
to producing a high quality distribution and supporting its users.

I've also taught computer classes including Linux subjects, and
managed the Tutorium at linuxfestnorthwest.org. People who are just
getting started are well served by figuring out the community support
milieu, playing with the Command Line Interface, getting used to
owning a real computer, and the like. Some people need or get a kick
out of "rolling their own", and this is certainly an opportunity to
learn a lot. However, sticking to official repositories--as Joe
suggests--makes software discovery and installation much simpler than
building apps from source. Some people (myself included) gotta have
the latest version even if it's a bit buggy or not even that much
better than the repository version.

John Jason Jordan mentions the local Linux Users Group. The LUG in
Bellingham (WA) has been exceptionally helpful to me. We meet on the
first Thursday of each month, and generally have problem solving
opportunities as well.

All the best,
Carl