Author Topic: Your Best Advice  (Read 1001 times)

Offline MGBguy

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Your Best Advice
« on: November 16, 2012, 12:47:55 PM »
While we're waiting for Old Polack to reappear, I thought that we might share some computing wisdom as he has often done.  :)
What common sense advice; best practices, etc... come to mind?

I'll start with my top two.

Be responsible for backing up you own irreplaceable data (documents, photos, etc...).
We all have sad stories for this one.

Make an effort to learn about the hardware/software that make up your system.
You ever try to help someone who doesn't have clue one?

I freely admit my own ignorance of many things.  :-[
I invite your wisdom.  :)
Forget about sasquatch and extraterrestrials, it's those gul darn leprechauns we should be concerned about!

Offline tschommer

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2012, 01:04:09 PM »
This is actually a great idea, MGBguy.

One thing I've noticed is that time and again new users come here seeking advice. Those new to Linux gladly accept the rules, and generally see their new found freedom as a big adventure. Which is really nice and lots of fun for both sides.

Then there are those with Linux experience, who are simply curious about our wonderful PCLOS, and look for ways to adapt and possibly even help out themselves.

Finally, I sometimes see those with Linux experience trying to bring their experience of how things were done on distro so-and-so. Not good. It always leads to misunderstandings, tension, and more often than not to breaking away.

So please, if you want to use PCLOS, check out the sticky posts, check the magazine, hang out with the rest of us, and simply accept the ways things are done here. We don't want installs from external sources for a reason. Our devs/packagers are working their butts off giving us all the latest and greatest, but all within the rules of usability and stability.

When asking for an update or something new, go by what has been working for years. Use a package/update request already finished as a template. It's so simple, but, of course, requires a basic knowledge of common sense and how a forum works in the first place.

And ... respect!
Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere."
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Offline sammy2fish

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2012, 07:27:24 PM »
Old Polack and have shared several pm's.  Let me tell you, he can have a twisted sense of humour.

I like guys like that.  They remind me of guys like me....
One of the few things I've learnt as growing older.  Is to choose your battles.. but never loose sight of the war..!

Offline Linux-Blue

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2012, 07:57:05 PM »
Explore and be determined. One software may not suit your needs to get a project done, but another might.

It's happened to me, one doesn't work, or it's too complex. I just learn or try other ones. Beauty of linux, and no "$9.95 for three day trial".

Technology changes. Human nature doesn't." -me

Offline Rudge

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #4 on: November 16, 2012, 08:47:44 PM »
Here's one simple thing every PCLinuxOS user should do...

Learn the difference between the Operating System, the Application and the Desktop.

It helps tremendously to know the differences.  ;D   


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Offline sling-shot

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #5 on: November 16, 2012, 11:18:29 PM »
Almost no one runs a stock setup. There are always some customisations.
It is very important to keep a running note of all those somewhere safe. Will help keep your sanity.

Be specific. Avoid saying things like "There is some error message somewhere when I do something." Instead note down the exact thing letter to letter.
Packaging well will cure headaches of many :) But learning to package will cause headaches in many :(

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Offline Lone Stranger

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2012, 06:26:13 AM »
When looking to purchase audio equipment, do NOT buy Bose...............................Oh wait, wrong forum.
Turn off your computer and do something useful.

Offline Bald Brick

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2012, 07:44:45 AM »
Almost no one runs a stock setup. There are always some customisations.
It is very important to keep a running note of all those somewhere safe. Will help keep your sanity.

Are you implying that my memory is not what it used to be? Shame on you.  ;D

Quote
Be specific. Avoid saying things like "There is some error message somewhere when I do something." Instead note down the exact thing letter to letter.
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Offline Wildman

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #8 on: November 17, 2012, 07:54:21 AM »
If one runs out of solutions, ask on this forum, The best people and help anywhere is here.. :)
Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have!

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Offline menotu

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #9 on: November 17, 2012, 08:02:11 AM »
I keep meaning to write a post regarding UEFI and sharing what I've discovered about it  - giving  a potted history, of why it was developed and so on........

In fact I'll get my "arse in gear" and do it over the next day or so.

This could turn out to become an interesting thread  - thanks for posting it. MGBguy
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Offline bicol_willem

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #10 on: November 17, 2012, 08:18:24 AM »
More a advice for newbe´s. If you really want to switch from Windows to Linux do NOT dual boot. Counter productive.

Offline Wildman

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #11 on: November 17, 2012, 09:09:24 AM »
I keep meaning to write a post regarding UEFI and sharing what I've discovered about it  - giving  a potted history, of why it was developed and so on........

In fact I'll get my "arse in gear" and do it over the next day or so.

This could turn out to become an interesting thread  - thanks for posting it. MGBguy

Please do... :)
Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have!

Joe Gable, "Joble" Was my Friend..
Dave "Exwintech" has also gone on...
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Offline chilly

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #12 on: November 17, 2012, 01:03:24 PM »
More a advice for newbe´s. If you really want to switch from Windows to Linux do NOT dual boot. Counter productive.

I found dual booting a definite advantage when using Linux,it certainly showed the flaws in windows and in no time at all i was using
Linux exclusively.
Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose.
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Offline Linux-Blue

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #13 on: November 17, 2012, 01:50:43 PM »
me as well. I started with a dual boot, and within a week or two, I rarely touched Windows. After a few good months, I got rid of Windows, never will use them again.
Technology changes. Human nature doesn't." -me

Offline bicol_willem

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Re: Your Best Advice
« Reply #14 on: November 17, 2012, 04:47:01 PM »
More a advice for newbe´s. If you really want to switch from Windows to Linux do NOT dual boot. Counter productive.

I found dual booting a definite advantage when using Linux,it certainly showed the flaws in windows and in no time at all i was using
Linux exclusively.

See it a bit broader. I have seen the failures. They often end up booting Windows for that other one is soooo difficult. They remain thinking Windows and that won't help them adjusting to Linux. Soon Linux is no more then a decoration on there bootup screen. For someone that had set his mind on change to Linux this whole Windows thing is a distraction at best.
Hmmm, well, it is "my advice" and there might be takers and non/takers  :D :D :D