What does automation mean, to Ubuntu?

[hyperlinxe]

Can anyone describe to me the policy, or philosophy even, regarding the automation of technology for Ubuntu in general?

Given that Ubuntu is a technological organization, this type of programming is unique, and distinctive, and ought to have at least a general ideology surrounding it, it's ideal function, or purpose, maybe even it's misuse, or potential to harm ideal systems operations?

These are the kinds of issues I like to think about anyways...the broad issues surrounding the design of operating systems, and programming.

[MAFoElffen]

No one here works for Canonical. We do not set policy, or philosophy of anything.

That would be a question to ask on the Ubuntu Discourse (https://discourse.ubuntu.com/), where many there do work for Canonical. They do not do support there. They just discuss, and talk about things. For example, like your question. It would be a better fit there.

Of course, there, they are a different animal. You join, and you have to build points up by writing quality responses (posts) to threads, before you are even allowed to start your own thread.

Good luck with that.

[hyperlinxe]

Ok I understand that you are not employed fiscally, by canonical. But why would I make the assumption that you are?

[hyperlinxe]

Also do you have anything to add in these respects, granted that you are who you are?

[QIII]

Moved to ULOSC.

[MAFoElffen]

You asked me personally, so...

As IBM puts it:


Automation is the application of technology, programs, robotics or processes to achieve outcomes with minimal human input.

That is a fairly broad area to cover.

I don't think of "automation" in just terms of Ubuntu, or Linux. That is more a concept of Information Technology itself. Many things you can engineer into an automated process. That can be done many ways. That's easier than trying to explain what the "Internet Of Things" (IOT) really is beyond the bussword.

I can quote the Canonical's "Mission Statement" for Ubuntu:


To bring free software to the widest audience.

That is the vision for Ubuntu and Canonical, which motivates us to enable a wide diversity of open source communities to collaborate under the Ubuntu umbrella.

Which would then give you the freedom to choose one of many ways to approach that. You aren't locked down to a single path, or perspective.

[hyperlinxe]

So... MAFoElffen (https://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=1044547), your personal conviction is composed of direct quotes of external sources? I can't believe that's true!

How does Ubuntu treat the matter? How do you think they do? What do you actually think?

I've got my own ideas about it all. I could talk to you for hours and hours about it!

[QIII]

Ubuntu does not treat any manner of anything. Ubuntu is an inanimate operating system.

[hyperlinxe]

What do you imagine, the automation built into Ubuntu, means to me? One of it's users? Or any of us?

If you were interested, you would ask!

[QIII]

... the automation built into Ubuntu ...

Does this mean you are no longer conflating the thing created with those who created it?

[MAFoElffen]

Afterthought...

I use automation to make people's lives and jobs easier... That was the initial intent and premise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

I started using rule-based AI models in the late 80's, early 90's. It was originally developed as a tool to help people make decisions, by letting them see difference possible outcomes based on changing circumstances.

Today's world, 50 some years later, then we start to get into the morality of what pushing that further might mean:

"What is the implications and risks of when you use AI as a tool to help people make decisions, into something something that makes those decisions for them?"

Along that premise & concept, that is the why I am promoter of Linux, and the Linux Ecosystem. You still have the freedom of choice available to you. There are 100's of ways to do the same thing. Getting there might be a goal. But how I get there factors greatly in my path. It is "the journey" that matters...

You talked about Windows. At Win 3.0, that is when Microsoft started locking people away from making choices about settings, and what could be installed onto it. From then on, with each release, they made that harder. Now look at Win 11, and minimum system requirements. MAC OS started with that earlier, saying you needed to have their (own) new hardware if you wanted to use a current OS. VMware is very stringent on what they will let you install on.

Linux is a lot more open, flexible, and adaptable. You can make a lot of things "possible" for the masses. It just doesn't have the big $ marketing.

[hyperlinxe]

Consider the security of the operating system, that is defined by so much automation, or even more or less, if a million people use the Ubuntu operating system, and a million people have their technological lives defined by it's underlying automation, does that leave them with a secure future?

[QIII]

You have indicated that you are aware that automation is built in to Ubuntu (as it is with any other Linux-based OS.)

You have begun to answer your own nebulous question.

Continue.

[hyperlinxe]

Consider the security of the operating system, that is defined by so much automation, or even more or less, if a million people use the Ubuntu operating system, and a million people have their technological lives defined by it's underlying automation, does that leave them with a secure future?

I'll give you an example.

In most Ubuntu operating systems, the configuration of the active kernel is present in the /boot partition, and it is a product of automation. Also, the whole line of processes' that produce the kernel, in most Ubuntu operating systems, is also a product of automation, and that has characteristics which are public information, that is to say, globally.

[QIII]

Do go on.

[#&thj^%]

Security is not a magic pill, or a automation process solely, it is a constantly learned behavior on the users end.

Linux is inherently secure OTB.

Linux is a powerful operating system widely used in the cybersecurity industry. One of the most important aspects of Linux system administration is creating and managing user accounts.

There is much to learn in your topic, but until you give in and make peace with others here in the forums, I'm afraid you will continue to bump heads....No fun for you and other members sincerely trying to help.

I wish you well in your journey.

[hyperlinxe]

When I wonder to myself, why so few people use gnu/linux or Ubuntu rather, with the benefit of experience, it's small wonder. The users of Ubuntu aren't an island to themselves, but part of a global community, of which technology naturally interconnects people and organizations, which influence each other. So, despite our idealism that Ubuntu is a good operating system, or secure, the evidence stands to demonstrate that an alternate reality is a more appropriate reflection of the truth. If it was actually secure, there would be more people using it, and using it successfully, but they are unable to, and for reasons that go unreported.

[QIII]

Who uses Ubuntu, any other Linux system, or Unix, the BSDs, Apple OSes, etc., is based on preference. Those who continue to use Windows do so out of familiarity, compatibility with its ubiquity on the desktop, and the fact that most people erroneously conflate "Windows" with "Computer". Those users who use 'Nix OSes often choose them because of their security. Most of the internet backbone runs on Linux.

Now, back to the subject of automation.

Please continue.

[hyperlinxe]

The Microsoft Windows Based PC, that Ubuntu revolves around, is also a product of automation. In fact, every complaint about it's operations might be simplified into a criticism of automation itself as opposed to utility.

Both of these systems represent themselves in ways, that contradict the real world experience of their users, and you could ask any of them, or you could flatly contradict them on the forums repeatedly, deny everything, and compel them to leave. Hell, you can even just ban people who speak freely, and empower others to speak freely. That's what happens on a variety of mediums for the *Linux Community*

Anti speech? Anti freedom? Doesn't that describe a proprietary based system such as microsoft? How is it, that now, in 2024, it's a fitting characterization of the Ubuntu forums. and other parts of the *Linux Community*

[QIII]

Again, Ubuntu does not revolve around a Windows PC. In fact, just prior to Windows' ascendance, they were called IBM PCs. And yes, when people are disruptive and obtuse, they often find themselves being removed.

Back to automation, please.

[hyperlinxe]

No, that's not true. But how could you admit it? The Microsoft Windows Based PC, that Ubuntu revolves around forms the basis for it's development. What's more, proprietary systems form the basis that is the foundation the *Linux Community* sits on top of. And that is the context, broadly, of the community, it's security, and it's measure of success. Linux exists in a technological world, that is based on the monopolization of technology, and that monopolization has the basis of strictly opposing freedom, in order to serve it's deliberate and precise objective.

[QIII]

It's not? I distinctly remember having an IBM PC. The IBM PC was the defacto standard prior to the appearance of Windows. And the Commodore was fairly popular.

Nevertheless, back to automation, please.

[hyperlinxe]

Now it's a windows PC, and the subject of daily contention, granted the fact! That's what Ubuntu revolves around, and it uniquely supports the Microsoft Windows Based PC, and operating system, unlike any other distribution in fact.

[QIII]

No, it does not. Why do you persist in this misconception?

Back to automation.

[hyperlinxe]

It's starting to look, like you guys are the ones in need of making "Help Requests" more than the people such as myself, making help requests.

Why don't you ask for help, if you need it?

[QIII]

Do you suppose I have shot the last 45 or 50 years not learning about the technology I have been using, the technology I supported with my own software development company, only to be schooled by you?

Back to automation.

[hyperlinxe]

Why don't you abuse people on the internet, somewhere else besides ubuntuforums.org?

[QIII]

I am dealing with a disruptive and argumentative user. That's what I do.

Now, back to automation.

[coffeecat]

Why don't you abuse people on the internet, somewhere else besides ubuntuforums.org?

OK. That's enough. Thread closed.

@hyperlinxe, you need to know that a lot of people here have complained about your posting style, and the overwhelming number of your posts, in particular your obtuse argumentativeness and apparently deliberate desire to either ignore or misunderstand what others are saying. I suggest you take a day out before posting again. If you cannot moderate yourself, the staff will do it for you. So that you have no excuse to misunderstand what I have just said, this was not a threat, merely a reminder that we do have moderating staff who will do what is necessary when necessary. For more, I suggest you read the forum Code of Conduct, here:

https://ubuntuforums.org/misc.php?do=showrules