I’ve been putzing with Linux for many years having used it to build routers in Wyse Thin Clients (DSL), build firewalls (RHEL), connect with Sun SPARCstations to control manufacturing equipment again in Wyse TCs (RH 7.3) and other issues. Even though I espouse OS neutrality, I find myself returning to Linux for its stability and, believe it or not, its simplicity. It has pulled my butt out of so many fires where many other OSs have failed, or caused the fire to begin with.

I started out with Macs (still have my 128K machine in the basement) and have Macs and i-devices. While they run a version of Unix deep underneath, I find it constraining on a daily basis.

I am retired now and have the time to probe more deeply into Linux and its many facets. Right now I’m looking to buy a laptop on which to run a Red Hat version with which I am most comfortable. Looking at a refurbished ThinkPad 500 model and planning to attend the Central Pennsylvania Open Source Conference.

I look forward to participating in discussions here.

bob

Welcome to LQ.

I have fond memories of Lancaster County. My job used to take me there frequently back in the '80s and '90s.

Nice to see a few locals in the area that like Linux. I don't come across many.
I'm from Lebanon county.

Brad

I can empathize.

When I started using Linux, there were no LUGs anywhere convenient to me; there were LUGx in the greater Philadelphia area, but they were all on the far side of Philly. When I moved to these parts, I found one right around the corner. It's nice to be able to walk in a room and say "/etc/fstab" and be understood.

There's a LUG in Harrisburg. Maybe you can meet someone through them. They have a mailing list and an IRC channel.

Frankbell and Birdski:

Thanks for the welcome. I have danced on the edge of LQ for many years. Now I hope to have time to dive in. I'll make the run to Harrisburg soon to see how they operate. We had a LUG here in Lancaster with Ron Fahrenwald taking one of the leads. I'm attending CPOSC on November 1st and hope to make some contacts there. Again, thanks for the welcome.

Bob