Convince me, please!

[Paul Schmehl]

--On August 8, 2007 11:22:26 PM -0500 Latitude <robertjx at ix.netcom.com> 
wrote:

> I'm interested in changing over to FreeBSD from Windows, but I'll have
> to say, you guys don't really present a forceful argument to Windows
> users of how easy the switch may be.  I get knee-deep in FreeBSD jargon
> the second I get to your webpage. I need to see an overwhelming argument
> that FreeBSD is a perfectly acceptable alternative for home desktop
> users who have previously known only Windows.
>
I didn't see anyone who simply answered your questions, so here's my 
attempt to do so.

You're not going to get an "overwhelming argument" from FreeBSDers because 
that's not how we work.  If you want to try it out, be our guest.  If you 
find it frustrating and give up, none of us are going to be heartbroken by 
your failure.  If you're patient, and you ask enough questions, someone 
here can solve every problem you run in to.

> For instance, if I download and install FreeBSD, will I instantly have a
> desktop windowing environment that I can navigate in while I figure out
> what's going on?

No.  In fact, if you don't read the documentation first (and Windows users 
seldom do), you will probably never get a desktop windowing environment. 
You must configure your desktop environment before it will work.  You must 
also configure it so it starts up by default.

> Will I have a browser and way to setup an internet
> connection right off the bat?

Depending upon which window manager you choose, you may not have a 
browser.  Depending upon what sort of internet connection you have, you 
may never get connected.  *Especially* if you don't first read the 
documentation carefully and print it out so you have it handy during the 
install phase.

>  How will I migrate files from other
> operating systems?
>
You can mount almost any filesystem on the planet, so moving files to 
FreeBSD is a snap.  But you'd better read the documentation first, or 
you'll never figure it out.

> I understand you guys have been around for a while, but you don't seem
> to understand the monumental "fear" involved in switching operating
> systems.  You need to address those concerns head on from the start.

No, we don't.  The idea behind FreeBSD is that you are the owner and 
operator.  That means you make all the decisions and you must understand 
how to implement them.

>  I
> need to see several screenshots of apps that I can use as alternatives
> to what I have.
>
Not everything that's available on Windows *has* an alternative on 
FreeBSD.  Do you homework.  Read the documentation.  Don't expect others 
to spoon-feed you because it's not going to happen.

Paul Schmehl (pauls at utdallas.edu)
Senior Information Security Analyst
The University of Texas at Dallas
http://www.utdallas.edu/ir/security/