tyggna1
August 17th, 2007, 12:17 AM
I joined the forum site about a month or two ago. I fell in love with Ubuntu right from the first time I used the live CD. I've always been a tech geek, and had tried to make the jump to Mandriva linux (back when it was still called mandrake) but to no avail.
I'm making this post to share a success story, and invite others to do the same.
My failures:
I knew just about everything there is to know about windows--seriously--and I have the certification to prove it. My first failure was comparing the two of them. Windows has its advantages, and some major setbacks that I could never overcome--despite my proficiency with a soldering gun.
After I installed and updated Ubuntu, I thought, "Okay, what drivers am I going to need to update?" That was my first mistake. Ubuntu couldn't recognize my wireless card, and I tried using Ndiswrapper, only to find that my card wasn't supported in it, and that it was based on an old set of Orinoco drivers. I tried to "install drivers" only to corrupt and bust my kernel. I probably punched in my command wrong, and it was probably a simple fix, but my first account on the forum site wouldn't let me make any posts. I wanted to ask questions, as I knew someone would have answers, but that just wasn't possible--despite several pleas to the forum admin.
Not knowing very well how Linux works, and figuring that it wasn't much of a big deal, I reinstalled Ubuntu on my computer. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I learned from that experience that what I thought were "drivers" were really just lines of code in the kernel could utilize. I didn't let that setback get to me.
My success:
I didn't give up. I wanted to learn, and I was willing to learn. Therein was my biggest success with Ubuntu. I learned how to add repositories, including non-public repositories. I learned a few things about converting source code into a program (though I still have a long way to go). I spent $20 to get a new Mini-PCI Wireless card that was listed on a compatibility site for Ubuntu. I still haven't gotten it to work--but I'm about to reinstall my kernel for the first time, and I suspect that will give me the success I'm looking for.
By this time I was hooked. I was an addict to the intuitive interface. I was completely hooked on the enormous amounts of free quality software. I almost cried with joy when I looked at the add/remove list after I had added two repositories. I was willing to spend money to feed my habit--but completely ecstatic that I really didn't have to. At this point, I decided to move from being a simple addict to being a dealer.
I carry a burned copy of Feisty Fawn everywhere I go, now. I've passed out more than 10 copies, and my wife (who has virtually no tech-experience) uses Feisty and loves it. I know very little about Linux still, but that will change with time and usage. I know enough to do what I need to do.
I prefer Ubuntu over Windows now--even though I can make windows sing and dance at the press of a button. I'm seriously considering the CompTIA Linux+ exam--after a few years more experience. If I would've known that such a high quality operating system was out there--I would've made the switch years ago. Now that I have--I have been able to make my computer do things I never would've dreamed of doing in *******, thanks to the wonderful users of the Ubuntu forum site.
Because of Ubuntu--my computer does what I want it to, and does it well. I am a true convert--and now dyed in the wool. I don't ever want to go back. I want to push software developers to compile and sell a Debian based Linux distribution of their games. I want to learn more about WINE, and see if there's anything I can do to increase the number of programs that it's compatible with. I want to help people if I can, and I want to learn and take correction when I need it. I would dare go as far to say that I am a better person because of Ubuntu Linux--and I feel like spreading the word.
I look forward to many years of learning and using Ubuntu--and keep hoping that one day I'll be able to give back some of what the Ubuntu community has given to me.
Please, if you have any similar stories/feelings or comments, add them to this thread. I'd like to know that I'm not alone in this.
I'm making this post to share a success story, and invite others to do the same.
My failures:
I knew just about everything there is to know about windows--seriously--and I have the certification to prove it. My first failure was comparing the two of them. Windows has its advantages, and some major setbacks that I could never overcome--despite my proficiency with a soldering gun.
After I installed and updated Ubuntu, I thought, "Okay, what drivers am I going to need to update?" That was my first mistake. Ubuntu couldn't recognize my wireless card, and I tried using Ndiswrapper, only to find that my card wasn't supported in it, and that it was based on an old set of Orinoco drivers. I tried to "install drivers" only to corrupt and bust my kernel. I probably punched in my command wrong, and it was probably a simple fix, but my first account on the forum site wouldn't let me make any posts. I wanted to ask questions, as I knew someone would have answers, but that just wasn't possible--despite several pleas to the forum admin.
Not knowing very well how Linux works, and figuring that it wasn't much of a big deal, I reinstalled Ubuntu on my computer. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I learned from that experience that what I thought were "drivers" were really just lines of code in the kernel could utilize. I didn't let that setback get to me.
My success:
I didn't give up. I wanted to learn, and I was willing to learn. Therein was my biggest success with Ubuntu. I learned how to add repositories, including non-public repositories. I learned a few things about converting source code into a program (though I still have a long way to go). I spent $20 to get a new Mini-PCI Wireless card that was listed on a compatibility site for Ubuntu. I still haven't gotten it to work--but I'm about to reinstall my kernel for the first time, and I suspect that will give me the success I'm looking for.
By this time I was hooked. I was an addict to the intuitive interface. I was completely hooked on the enormous amounts of free quality software. I almost cried with joy when I looked at the add/remove list after I had added two repositories. I was willing to spend money to feed my habit--but completely ecstatic that I really didn't have to. At this point, I decided to move from being a simple addict to being a dealer.
I carry a burned copy of Feisty Fawn everywhere I go, now. I've passed out more than 10 copies, and my wife (who has virtually no tech-experience) uses Feisty and loves it. I know very little about Linux still, but that will change with time and usage. I know enough to do what I need to do.
I prefer Ubuntu over Windows now--even though I can make windows sing and dance at the press of a button. I'm seriously considering the CompTIA Linux+ exam--after a few years more experience. If I would've known that such a high quality operating system was out there--I would've made the switch years ago. Now that I have--I have been able to make my computer do things I never would've dreamed of doing in *******, thanks to the wonderful users of the Ubuntu forum site.
Because of Ubuntu--my computer does what I want it to, and does it well. I am a true convert--and now dyed in the wool. I don't ever want to go back. I want to push software developers to compile and sell a Debian based Linux distribution of their games. I want to learn more about WINE, and see if there's anything I can do to increase the number of programs that it's compatible with. I want to help people if I can, and I want to learn and take correction when I need it. I would dare go as far to say that I am a better person because of Ubuntu Linux--and I feel like spreading the word.
I look forward to many years of learning and using Ubuntu--and keep hoping that one day I'll be able to give back some of what the Ubuntu community has given to me.
Please, if you have any similar stories/feelings or comments, add them to this thread. I'd like to know that I'm not alone in this.