Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2020 09:58:38 +0200 From: Ralf Mardorf <ralf.mardorf@rocketmail.com> To: freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Cc: Polytropon <freebsd@edvax.de> Subject: Re: Minimal skills Message-ID: <20200604095838.20d6b074@archlinux> In-Reply-To: <20200604074134.89eb6518.freebsd@edvax.de> References: <CY4PR19MB0104A2C03F4D66A1DA251A23F9880@CY4PR19MB0104.namprd19.prod.outlook.com> <20200604005859.ca438474.freebsd@edvax.de> <CY4PR19MB0104C290121BF756D57B2DDBF9880@CY4PR19MB0104.namprd19.prod.outlook.com> <20200604020051.0c02472d.freebsd@edvax.de> <CY4PR19MB0104DD86F8FE6446AD1BF327F9890@CY4PR19MB0104.namprd19.prod.outlook.com> <20200604074134.89eb6518.freebsd@edvax.de>
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On Thu, 4 Jun 2020 07:41:34 +0200, Polytropon wrote: >If you don't mind, I'd suggest to dedicate a workstation PC >or a laptop for FreeBSD, while having a second computer (or >a smartphone) for web access (documtnation, mailing lists, >or web forums). On Wed, 3 Jun 2020 18:27:40 -0700, David Christensen wrote: >For self-learning, the starting point is to obtain a working personal >computer (PC) and Internet access. I suggest a Windows or macOS >desktop or laptop computer [...] Do not make any dramatic changes to >the PC, and do not attempt to install FreeBSD or any other operating >system (e.g. "dual boot"). [...] >Install virtualization software on your PC (I suggest VirtualBox). >Create a virtual machine (VM). Install FreeBSD on the VM (see chapter >3 of AF3E). Don't worry if you make mistakes during installation -- >delete the virtual machine and start over. Once you have a working >FreeBSD VM, shut it down and take a snapshot. Hi, it's not easy to decide which of those two approaches is the better one. I would say it's better to install FreeBSD on bare metal. While the recommendation to use VirtualBox is very good, since it's the easiest to use virtual machine, I dislike this idea for two reasons. To learn how to maintain a computer, it's wise to learn the basics regarding hardware and software, so it's way better to avoid a virtual machine that fakes hardware and getting your hands dirty by touching real hardware. Btw. starting with a desktop tower PC and a screwdriver IMO is better, than starting with a laptop, since IMO you literally should get in touch with the hardware. I started with hardware modified C64 and Atari ST computers. In the beginning a friend helped me with the hardware. The Atari ST had a 80286 hardware emulator and was running DR DOS. I learned different levels of programming BASIC, PASCAL, Assembler, Turbo C++. Later I migrated to a Windows 98 and user-friendly Linux distro dual-boot PC, before I used FreeBSD and a user-centric (non-user-friendly) Linux distro. I do not program with programming languages anymore and I do not modify computer hardware using a soldering iron anymore. Nowadays I only write shell scripts and I only piece together ready-made computer modules. A desktop tower PC's motherboard has got slots to connect hardware cards, RAM etc. and shell scripts are quite powerful. It's good that I used programming languages and a soldering iron in the past, but not necessarily needed to maintain a modern computer. Btw. one of my few contributions to FLOSS communities is helping novices with Ubuntu Linux. My recommendation before starting with a BSD or not user-friendly Linux distro is to start with a user-friendly Linux distro. A dual-boot with e.g. Windows isn't necessarily required. Consider to use Ubuntu first. While for some domains I'm using an iPad, e.g. for drawing, the idea that a beginner should have a Smartphone or tablet computer is only useful to get information/help via Internet. A second PC or laptop would allow to download and e.g. burn software, something that might be even more helpful in some dead ends a greenhorn could experience. OTOH neighbours or friends might assist, if you need more than a Smartphone or tablet computer to fix an issue with your FreeBSD (or maybe Ubuntu ;) computer. Regards, Ralf
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