I want to be a Linux expert....NOW

After reading two articles by David Bretthauer documenting the history of Open Source Software and the use of Open Source Software in libraries (see attached) I am excited to get started using Linux. It seems to me that the purpose of OSS is perfectly aligned with the innate principles of the library – keeping information accessible. I understand the place and have benefited from the ease of use of proprietary software but I do often feel feel frustrated with the lack of flexibility of this software and often what feels like a complete lack of common sense in the software design. (I’m looking at you Vista) More than once I have joked that what has been packaged and advertised as a finished product still operates like a first generation beta test. Very very annoying.

I think the adoption of OSS systems in libraries mirrors the habits of the professional librarian. When one thinks about it, it’s certainly a natural fit with the crop of MLS students graduating from programs throughout the country. The rule of thumb in my house is if we have a question about something, anything really the first place we head is message boards. If you think about it message boards are the digital equivalent of the community reference librarian. I love the notion that by getting my hands on Linux I’m officially being indoctrinated into a true information democracy.

Getting to know Ubuntu..getting to know all about Ubuntu

Well after much playing on the Ubuntu message boards, I think my favorite post and subsequent threads was from jukingeo. His/or her thread post was entitled "New to Ubuntu--Windows XP User" I saw this and thought, "Hey that's me too!" Upon further reading the simliarities continued; namely I am somewhat a Windows XP user against my will, namely because like the rest of the suckers it's just what I have always used, I have Vista at work, I have XP at home, I am a slave to Microsoft. I'm not saying it's right or agreeable, I have a bevvy of Mac friends who regularly scoff at me and I have spend many a discussion thread on D2L discussing my outright disdain for Vista (which I will not do on Ubuntu because I want to be allowed to continue to post)

Anyway... Through this thread this person admitted (like myself) I am vaguely familiar with Linux and know it to be the operating system of choice among those who are tired of being tied to XP. I guess I never really understood Linux (except that the Penguin is cute) and I certainly had no idea before this class that Ubuntu existed. I found this thread so incredibly useful for two reasons...
#1 it answered all of the questions I immediately had about Linux, such as can I run peripherals(?) Is the switch to Linux worth the hassle(?) and which one is faster (?)

#2 it introduced me to this website; www.whylinuxisbetter.net

I am excited about both this class and particularly about learning Linux because as much experience as I have had with the client side of things I've always felt frustrated by not truly knowing the "mechanics" of how operating systems work. I've always felt like I could handle myself in a conversation, but if it came down to the functional aspects of how these systems work I am completely useless in my ability to manipulate them. I feel like learning about Linux is the first step in taking "real" control over my computer and hopefully taking control over the creation and manipulation of digital repositories.