Ok, so you may have guessed that I'm on a Linux tear. That is, I'm doing a lot of thinking and research about Linux. Thus far, I know I can install it much easier today than 2-3 years ago. I know that some stuff still isn't ready for prime time (like support of Wireless Networking, which is the only thing that won't work on the laptop I've installed it on to play with), and some things are still developing (like ERP software for Linux).
All of this aside, I'm also learning a lot of terminology, most of which consists in trying to learn how to pronounce words. For example, I've learned that ET-see is the way you pronounce the file system directory /etc. This is where all the configuration stuff is.
The biggest battle, though is pronouncing the names of the "distributions" of Linux. Names like Debian (DEE-bee-un) and ubuntu (ooh-BOON-too). Red Hat I can handle. SUSE (SOO-SUH), and others.
The concept of a "distribution" is a bit dense for some people. You may be asking, "Isn't Linux LINUX?" Well, no, and--well--yes. The core of Linux (the kernel) is pretty much the same. But it's the things that are packaged with that kernel (like the Accessories in Windows...you know, the little calculator and WordPad, etc.) that are different. Some distributions are designed to be small and minimalist. Some distributions are designed to have "everything" (like Debian).
And some distributions--like Red Hat--have been around for a while and have options for support contracts. Other distributions are by some gal (or guy) in her (or his) garage...
All in all, they are a lot alike, and today's Linux can be installed by a novice (the installation program will ask you questions that you don't understand and don't have a clue what the best answer is, but if you just pick one, you'll probably wind up with something that works.) On my laptop--purchased for price not for features without checking the hardware compatibility list--Debian installed first time, without issues.
Now comes the hard part...
