Richard Hamel-Smith wrote:
> And it could be made easier. It's just that no-one has gone the extra
> step to package a script that focuses, not on the technical issues,
> but on the needs of a newbie. I often think that where Microsoft got
> really smart, was in the use of wizards to walk people through
> configurations.
>
> Instead of a screen that just asks for values for IP address, netmask,
> gateway, driver, etc., there needs to be something that gently
> explains what an IP address is, why it is important, what a gateway
> is, what a netmask is, etc. And in words a newbie can understand. Not
> techo-jargon, like dotted-quad format.
>
> Anyhow, too early to start a rant. I'd glad you got it sorted out,
> Kris. Well done.
>
> Richard
>

Yes Richard, but Linux is a work in progress, and as I've found,
once you write such a script you are forever maintaining it for new
features, new ways, etc.

We experienced types know how hard it was to climb the first steps
of the learning curve, and as we progressed we found we got to a
level, went along it for a while and then reached the bottom of
another curve, and so on for the last 35 years.

If you read the old Kernighan notes for UNIX, he described this
process, and someone created the "learn" program to help the newbie
(including the clerks at AT&T) climb up faster.

Learn is still available. Maybe writing some of these config
problems into a learn file would fit in with the inbuilt UNIX
learning curve. Probably could even get one of the clever types to
pop a nice GUI front end onto it for a modern look and feel.

Just a thought.

Stomfi.