the problem with Linux?

[Robert Brockway]

On Tue, 6 Apr 2004, Noah John Gellner wrote:

> In my experience the problem with Linux is that these files are located
> all over the place, and are not always obvious or even close to obvious.

Hi Noah.  If you're finding this I suggest you change distros :)

Generally config files are in /etc or /etc/appname.  The tool locate, and
the man pages are also useful for finding config files.

> The result is that if you are adding and removing applications there are
> is a constant requirement for hacks and work arounds. On response is

I really can't see why.  What sorts of hacks are you feeling the need to
do?

> that users shouldn't be constantly adding and subtracting applications,

Certain Linux distributions have package management that is so clean it
puts all commercial OSes to shame (lets' face it, Linux shames many
commercial OSes in lots of other ways too :)  The idea of package
installation and removal being anything but completely clean in 2004 is
disturbing[1].

[1] Way back in 1994 when I started using Linux (Slackware) package
management was in its infancy and installations tended to get very dirty
over time (symlinks all over the place, old libraries lying about,
multiple versions of the same software installed, etc).

> but in my opinion that is a pretty weak solution. Given that users will
> add and remove applications there process should be possible.

Sure.  This is the first time I've heard anyone suggest problems with
package management in many many years.

Rob

-- 
Robert Brockway
Senior Technical Consultant, OpenTrend Solutions Ltd.
Phone: 416-669-3073, Email: rbrockway-wgAaPJgzrDxH4x6Dk/4f9A at public.gmane.org, http://www.opentrend.net
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