Certification in Linux, Not Unix

by Edwin Davidson

Linux and the Certification SIG are coming together for a period of time.  I am one of the people who did not graduate with the last class.  My networking skills are much better, but I am not able to attend many of the classes, as I am working on this publication.  Getting this publication together keeps me busy for a period at the beginning of the month. 

The Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, approach to software development is getting a nudge from the all-inclusive Linux software development packages.  As you can tell if you recognize any of the faces in the picture to the right, there are many serious computer people.  Most of us who have been working with computers are always adapting.  From the early days of the 8008 to the 8088 and the 8086, we kept hoping the computer would do things we want in real time. 

I think a fair portion of this crowd knew BASIC and FORTRAN long before there were visual versions.  Many of us have talked about assembly language and a few dead Languages.  As Microsoft and Apple keep reinventing themselves we are all looking for a cheaper and friendly way of using our computers to keep in touch.

I will say that Linux is not for the faint of heart.  It is still a rudimentary language with extensive capabilities.  It can do many of the things we need to do in our daily lives, and in one basic software package.  Buying software is the basic necessity for our getting many things done.  I think as things continue to evolve, you will find the all-in-one software packaged with Linux is going to be a rule, more than a luxury add-on to the hardware purchased.

Much of the high tech software will still be sold to those who need it, but the casual video editing and word processing should not be an add-on to a basic software package.  Privacy and virus protection is a necessity with all operating systems.  (Kids with too much time on their hands seem to cause us havoc every so often.)  I have no idea what computer languages I used back in 1973, but after 30 years I still like watching the end result.  Putting some type of language code in and expecting a specific result to transpire keeps happening every time a new language or softeware comes along.

The mixture of IDE and SCSI devices that I have intermingled with two dual 233 and 166 systems make up one of two systems I plan on using for this SIG.  I need to read a couple of chapters before the next class.  As of this date, I have tried to install Linux twice, and both times I have come away without being able to use the installation.  What is one more language?  CP/M, DOS, UNIX, Apple’s OS?   I never did try OS/2, but all of these are kind of like learning a new language.  French, Spanish, and German all have a basic structure while still doing things slightly differently.

I was running Games under Windows when people thought it would not be possible.  I got into configuring the devices and drivers into memory so that the throughput would allow the programs to run.  Last class I learned to network my computer better, and with Will’s help I was able to correct the portal computers Internet sharing ability to the outside world so all my computers could not only connect to each other but also to the Internet. (Ok, a software glitch I didn’t think about. Thanks Will.)

This SIG looks like the ‘new’ place to be, along with the Digital Photography SIG.  Apple and Microsoft like to make it look simple, but the hardware needed to work quickly can make you gasp.  Linux will connect your hardware in a fast, safe and secure environment, and it is a network administrator’s dream language. 

We are going to be working.  Many of us who have tried or worked with this language before are taking one more shot at mastering the language for our insight and for the  stability it can bring to the workplace.  It is important to continue forward.  Time stands still for no man.  The 64-bit motherboards and processors are just around the corner for everyone.  I read that Hewlett Packard has a 64-bit version of Linux.  I had better get the book out.  Tomorrow night comes too soon.