There was a time when we didnt have linux. It was a time that Windows was the only operating system besides Apple (That you couldnt afford to have). We are so lucky to have linux and all the flavors available today. Now we can take almost any computer and load linux on it, Totally configure it, Install any software we desire.
Before linux, We worked with about 12 floppy disks that we loaded windows on a computer. This took forever and then if you wanted any other software you had to buy it. Doing alot of things with linux today you couldnt do back then. The cost of software kept alot of talented people from even learning how to do things like video editing. We have come a long way indeed!
When I started with Linux back around the time kernel 2.0.36 (Redhat 4.0) was launched, You had to first roll your own kernel. The configuration of this kernel ment that there was certain hardware you had to have. Like, A creative sound card. Any other and you couldnt really have sound. After you spent hours configuring your kernel and compiling it you would cross your fingers and hope it would boot. From there you would have to work on setting up your desktop. This was no easy task either. When you were done you had a 16 color desktop and any other software you wanted installed you also compiled by hand. Things have come a long way since then. Today we click some buttons and presto! Your software is installed and ready to go.
Back then, The name of the game for companies like Microsoft was to keep the software/hardware combination locked down and if you wanted to run a computer you bought Microsoft with it. When you were actually lucky to buy a new motherboard you would spend over 400 dollars for something like the latest 486 based board. In fact, I lived near an IBM outlet and we regularly went "Dumpster Diving" to get parts we needed. We just didnt have a lot of money. Today you can buy a motherboard for under 100 bucks easy.
We are starting a new year but if you look back you see similar things happening. Today we see smartphones and tablets on the market. However, A lot of them are locked down with software that is pretty much propriety in nature. This is the manufactuers attempts to control how you use your devices. They like control. However, We are making a lot of progress as we can now reload our cell phones with other software but still they are trying to control where and what you get. Things will change though. Its just a matter of time.
How lucky we really are today. We have the ability to do whatever we wish with our computers. Its a far cry from the old days indeed. Therefore, When you get frustrated because some software or hardware is not working like it should do not get too upset over it. These problems you face today with incompatible hardware and software glitches are a far cry from what we faced before linux. Being told what you can and cannot do with your computer is far worse than trying to figure out how to get some device to work with linux.
I for one, Am very grateful of all the Developers involved in linux. Perhaps I appreciate this because I grew up in the days of closed software and hardware. For those that never went thru these earlier days I hope you appreciate what freedom actually means. The freedom to do whatever you wish. This is a powerful thing and its always being challenged by powerful entities. But whatever you do - Never trade your freedom for convieniance. If you do then you are no longer free.
So, With that I raise my cup of coffee and salute those involved with the development of linux. Those that help others in the forums to those that develop code to the kernel and improve software - Thank you for everything you do.
BTW - Pardon my spelling errors. Its just early morning glitches.
coffee
