I't's been a little over 2 years since I signed up at LQ.org and since then I've come a long way.
I'd been messing about with linux before that, but it never erally seemed to work for me. However,a soon as I signed up here, with the patient help of many of you I've been able to make linux my one and only OS (on my box that is).

My favourite flavour is FC4 (for the moment). Mainly due to the great support I've been getting and the fact that it's all fairly easy and straightforward. I've tried Slackware (to name but one of the more 'difficult' ones) but for the moment I have other priorities although my final goal (even if it takes me ? years) is to really know my system (whatever that means) manual configuration, programming, the lot.

This post was meant to be a little celebration, like a birthday party, for reaching 'senior membership'. Did I ask a lot or did I also answer or give useful suggestions? I hope its been a fair mix so far! I sure do try to answer as many unaswered posts as I can.

There are still a number of small battles I need to win though:[list=1][*]I have never compiled my own kernel (nor anything else really)
[*]I should dearly like to learn some more about shell scripting.

Eventually I'd like to learn some programming so I consider this would be a nice start (any suggestions as to a better starting point?)
[*]I still need to learn to set up a network (help me find a good tutorial please - I've got a second box with XP and a cross wire cable...)
[*]I've got a nice lego robotics set (still a child at heart) and I'd like to be able to use it on my linux box (I've found a program called NQC but haven't a notion how to really use it).
[*]I really need to learn more about linux and sound.

I'd like to learn how to record sound through my soundcard (mike, tape,...). So far I've learned to use audacity (coudn't live without it) but the struggle for I/O device use between e.g. xmms and audacity is still over my head. When audacity complains of this my only sollution is to log out and back in - not very elegant.
[*]Along the same lines, I'd like to be able to use my webcam...
[/list=1]
As you can see, there are still a number of unsolved issues, even after 2 years. However, I still feel it pays of to use linux. Most problems I experienced have been solved with the generous help of you guys (a big "THANK YOU" to everybody) and I have no doubt that the rest of them will be dealt with in like manner.

If you've come this far through my 'celebration post', well, once again than you, and if you feel you can help me in any way I'll be eternally grateful (that is as long as my own limited circuitry can remember) for any suggestions, explanations, hints pointers and even "I don't know either, somebody help us!!" messages.

Cheers!

Linmix