What a long, strange trip it's been. About 3 weeks ago, I became fed up with my Windows XP O/S. Yes, I'm sure you can think of multiple reasons why.

Anyway, I decided it was time for Linux. So I downloaded and installed Ubuntu Hoary. Nice distro, I still have it on another drive in my machine.

Still, it was a little too easy if you know what I mean. I felt like I was still having my hand held, which at the time was a good thing. I've learned so much in the last few weeks though, and wanted something different. Something that I could learn.

So I tried Archlinux. Eh. I spent hours trying to configure the damn thing post-install. Of course, that actually helped me out in the long run. Xorg, xinitrc etc etc. I couldn't get into x but I sought out help and eventually got in. Lot of lessons learned there.

I have been poking around distrowatch all this time, and FreeBSD has been intriguing me. Something about getting right down to the roots of *nix intrigued me. "This is what I need" I thought. So, undaunted, I decided it was now or never. I made the smart decision of going out and purchasing "The Complete FreeBSD" by OReilly Press beforehand though. This time, I wanted to do this myself. No hand holding, no quick forays into an IRC channel. Outside of the book, it was me and the computer.

Well, the book certainly proved useful as far as installing the system. However, when it came to setting up x, I was lost once again. Come to find out, the book is based on 5.0 and I just installed 5.3. The difference being, that XFree96 is no longer the default xsystem but now it is Xorg. Oops.

Booted into my Ubuntu desktop and found the necessary information from the Handbook. Still didn't work, but between the documentation and my knowledge from setting up Arch, I know type to you from my fresh FreeBSD install.

I can't tell you how great it feels to have gotten this far. Of course, not getting ahead of myself, I realize that I have a LOT to learn and will continue to do so. Nevertheless, a great deal of pride is going to reside within whenever I log on now.

If any of you are thinking about making a foray into the FreeBSD arena, I would highly recommend it. Things make more sense here.

If you are wondering if you can install it-take it from somebody who was working exclusively on a Windows machine until 3 weeks ago. If I can do it, you certainly can!

I look forward to chatting with all of you in the days and weeks to come!

Welcome to the dark side [insert evil laugh here... the more maniacal you can imagine it, the better]...

Actually, it is not as dark as some would wish to make it seem. You've already found the light (the light is in the documentation... it guides the way). I highly recommend reading the FAQ -- not because of any questions you might have unanswered but because it is both enlightening (to see what problems others have and what they are trying to do) and entertaining at the same time.

I highly recommend that you know what color the bikeshed must be (a garish shade of violet in case you had any doubts {read that, and then read the discussion boards about adding a new logo -- I promise, it will be an enlightening experience}) and how many FreeBSD users it takes to change a lightbulb (fun, especially as you subscribe to, and begin to read, the lists).

Thanks for the excellent advice. I know I definitely have to read up on a few things at this point.

cvsup
CUPS
How to install ports (specifically Firefox-I did download it last night but it was version 0.93?)
How to install the drivers for my ATI Radeon 9800 Pro AIW-if at all
How to activate my sound, lol.

As you can see, I will be a busy beaver in the next few days. However, I am very excited about my new O/S and will be seeing many of you here and at freebsdforums.org

http://www.freebsd.org/doc/en_US.ISO...ooks/handbook/
This should be a bit more up to date than your book, there is also an html copy of this some where in your install /usr/share/docs i think.

http://www.onlamp.com/pub/ct/15
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/au/73

lots of info there, tips on just about "every thing" most show the syntax you need to make the examples work.
Hope that helps.

Trying to make my way through it already. Thanks anyway!

I haven't been using Freebsd for long either. It's got a steep learning curve but after a while that light gets turned on in your head and things start making sense! Update your ports tree with CVSUP and you will gain access to all the latest software including that best browser of them all, Firefox.

Well, I have covered most of the above list excluding the ATI card and the sound.

I'll let you know when I have them fixed

how did you figure out your hard drive geometry? I'm still stuck on that one

Conguratulations! You did something that I would never do, that is installing something big without reading a manual, you remind me of my Uncle Chris. Read the book you bought and see (and possiby e-mail them). Your story is a good one that others can learn from. If you wish, send an email to penguincentral.linuxcommunityblog@blogger.com. Then check linuxcommunityopinion.blogspot.com if it has been posted. If after 24 hours, send it to penguincentral@hotmail.com and I will personally post it.
I honestly applaud you for your guts and determination in this.

Regards,
matthew5