On 2003-09-26 13:01:37 +0100 Thomas Adam
Yes, primarily that is what this list aims to provide support for. Although, more often than not, the questions posed here can easily be answered by RTFM, in my opinion :)
It's often a case of knowing which FM to R. There are other information sources, but Google isn't that much of a help for this group, as it normally has answers from unknown people. The reputations on this list help, but here is also peer-review and the delphi effect, as you have found. If Chris answers a question, some of us know who Chris is, his track record and will trust his answer accordingly. These aren't home systems and a higher level of care is required. "I typed a command in from IRC and it deleted my system" isn't an explanation that a school wants to hear. OK, identities can be spoofed and more people should sign their emails to the list, but it's a step up from IRC and the web.
Well then, that begs the question why the hell people who are *new* to Linux should have to maintain such a system -- good grief, I find that quite funny.
We all start somewhere. Often, these systems will be the best for the schools, but IME education is good at capital costs but lacks on small training and support. Major support incidents will see people like Chris riding to the rescue, I hope, or no worse than the action of Norfolk primary schools earlier this month: switch off and wait for help. Most of these new sysadmins will do just fine most of the time, given the support of the community. They're bright people.
I do take that a little personal, as I'm sure you would had I have said that to you, Chris.
I think that this is all getting a little personal. Chris isn't always the most tactful (my opinion only) and some of his message should have been sent off-list, but there's no need to go nova in response. I am sure Chris knows the basics of a common shell, for example. That's just not fair. Another thing worth remembering is that this isn't a spoken conversation, but a written one, like an exchange of letters. You use words like "speak" and "say" which suggests you may be forgetting that. In writing, intonation is mostly lost and people can read something entirely different to what you meant. I am aware that I am the pot here, advising against "getting personal" but I am mellowing in my old age, as I understand more.
With regards to that particular thread, I will say it now, as I did then, that ALL the suggestions mentioned by Mr. Ray and myself *WILL* work, had
Please make it clear which "Mr Ray" you are referring to... ;-)
those of us who can help do. When we can't help, we look forward to answers from those with more knowledge.
Are you saying that my replies are not worthy of an answer?
Logical disconnect here? I can't see how you can draw that conclusion. -- MJR/slef My Opinion Only and possibly not of any group I know. http://mjr.towers.org.uk/ gopher://g.towers.org.uk/ slef@jabber.at Creative copyleft computing services via http://www.ttllp.co.uk/