Re: Downloading NetBSD - Too complicated ?

[Andrew Smallshaw <andrews%sdf.lonestar.org@localhost>]

On Thu, Feb 06, 2014 at 05:02:05PM +0000, Lucius Rizzo wrote:
> Andy Ruhl wrote:
> > 
> > I think NetBSD has been alienating newer users for a long time. Even
> > back in the 1.4 days when I started using it, it was difficult to get
> > installed.
> 
> I disagree with this assertion. NetBSD is far easier to install than say
> OpenBSD (simply if we were to talk about installers). The both are relatively 
> painless really compared to say Solaris Jumpstart. If you wanna loose hair.. 
> :P
> 
> Nevertheless, as it was said earlier NetBSD seems to cater to a certain 
> crowd. Who appreciate the nuances.

I agree with _that_ sentiment.  What is the point of dumbing down
the "fetch ISO image" and even "Install" phases so that a two year
old can do them if at the end of that process and after a reboot
you get a black screen with a Login: prompt in the top left?  If
you can't manage to click even a disputed six links in turn what
chances do you have?

NetBSD is not Ubuntu, it doesn't try to be.  The base install even
with all options selected is essentially a traditional Unix system:
it doesn't have the preconfiguration of a typical Linux distro nor
any of the potentially problematic crapware.  For me that is a net
plus: it allows me to layer whatever I want on top to suit my
preferences, policies or needs.

If you want a dumbed-down, "user-friendly" quasi-Unix system that
second guesses your every move use one of the desktop Linuxes.  I
want a predictable system that I know isn't sending my data to
Amazon or whoever is paying the most this week.

-- 
Andrew Smallshaw
andrews%sdf.lonestar.org@localhost