Linux lab looks to bridge dueling interfaces

TalkBack 32 of 40:

Next »

« Previous

• Thread View
• Flat View

That wouldn't be an improvement

The problem here is that you see the advantage of one way of doing things, every app self-contained, and think it must be the best way of doing things.

But Unix and Linux do it differently for a reason. For example, the old DOS/Windows way was for each app to store its data in its own folder. But now, pretty much everything by default stores data in the user's home directory. Why? Because if all the personal files are in one place, you can back up that one place, wipe the hard disk and reinstall or upgrade or completely change your operating system, and just restore your personal files.

This organization is good for other types of files, too. For example some companies running Unix or Linux will deploy workstations that run all executables from a central file server, and KNOW that everyone is using the exact same version of software.

Can't do that if every app is installed completely standalone on each workstation.

There's a reason why Unix/Linux systems generally keep separate partitions for /var, /usr, /home, /tmp, and /boot. Try reading the Linux Standard Base Filesystem Hierarchy Standard (google for details) and understand WHY they set it up that way before assuming that you've got a better way.

Take a look at modern Windows systems: software under "Program Files", system software under "WINDOWS\SYSYTEM", home directories under "Documents and Settings" (would have been better if they'd kept the simpler name "home", but it's the concept that counts).

Sounds like Microsoft doesn't agree with you, so obviously they can't be doing well on the desktop!

Linux is growing great guns, thank you. Growth on the desktop has been slower than on servers and embedded devices, but it's growing just the same. And that's in spite of restrictive licensing by Microsoft that essentially penalizes any hardware company that sells PC's without Windows on them.

Not that you're completely off. There are occasions when a large and complex application on Unix or Linux will want to install itself into its own area, usually under the /opt directory. The key is knowing when it's appropriate...

Posted by: tommyhigbee   Posted on: 04/04/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

Alert moderator to an offensive message

Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS

SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads

• Secure Copy Version 5.0.2 ScriptLogic Secure Copy? is a powerful, comprehensive migration solution that ... Download Now
• Dell Case Study: Bergstrasse District Council Dell The Bergstrasse district in Germany wanted to provide each pupil with a ... Download Now
• The Dell OEM Industry Solutions Group Beefs Up the ONE Unified Technology Platform Developed by MDI Security Systems Dell When engineers at MDI Security Systems design a global video surveillance ... Download Now