[Ares-races] Windows + Experience = Bad

Mon, 18 Mar 2002 09:36:38 -0500

Well, then, if all you want is Yapp, then you don't need a computer 
at all. Any old VT-100 compatible device will suffice.

Again, I'm not talking about knowing the OS at all, I agree from an 
operator perspective, it's as necessary as a cashier at K-Mark 
knowing that their cash register is running QNX or Posix. It does not 
matter at all. What matters is that the system keeps operating. Once 
you go beyond a simple terminal application - into a database, into a 
real-time data transfer applications (like some Packet situation) - 
you should be able to focus 100% on the job at hand - moving 
information, not power-cycling.

Ideally, you can just use a Radio Shack 100 (yes, the old, old ones) 
or something as simple, because they are crash-proof, literally and 
figuratively.

And as far as the person who mentioned that they have an old '286 in 
the closet - I occasionally root around in the dumpsters at a nearby 
office park. I recently pulled out 6 working Pentium 120 MHZ 
computers, and 3 working 800x600 VGA monitors from the garbage, and 
there were so many keyboards and mice that I couldn't even begin to 
count them. Also, the local Goodwill often has Epson Dot-Matrix 
printers, especially the durable and fast FX-85 and similar devices.

At 3:34 PM -0600 3/15/02, Doug Younker wrote:
>Greetings; first let me admit that I yet to run an Linux machine and am
>clueless of the actions needed to remedy a software crash that locks
>everything up.  Second, this is a volunteer effort of a budget of nearly
>zero. The Grid 8088 laptop with no hard drive and the 286 in the closet will
>run YAPP and support a printer, I'm fairly positive they will not run the
>Line OS. Third, with due respect I accept statements that, suggest near
>perfection carefully. 73 Doug, N0LKK
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Martin T. Focazio - KC2CXH" <[email protected]>
>To: <[email protected]>
>Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 12:56 PM
>Subject: Re: [Ares-races] Windows + Experience = Bad
>
>
>: The whole point is you won't need to power-cycle a linux machine.
>:
>:
>: At 5:26 PM -0600 3/13/02, Doug Younker wrote:
>: >With due respect Bob, Martin and the list; other than knowing how to
>reboot
>: >the system when neccessary the users shouldn't have to concerned with the
>OS
>: >at all.  Their only need is to know how to operate the application not
>the
>: >OS.  When it comes to placing permanent packet facilities I plan on using
>: >DOS with YAPP and hide the mouse.  Fewer crashes as compared to windows
>and
>: >can be rebooted by merely cycling the power switch and again compared to
>: >windows reboot is faster.  Operation of the YAPP application is straight
>: >forward and placing a simple cheat sheet will do for reminding users.
>This
>: >way I can make use of inexpensive and donated surplus computers not owned
>by
>: >any government agency not subject to borrowing.  Another option I haven't
>: >researched fully is the use of dumb ternininals that can support newer
>: >printers.  73--Doug, N0LKK
>: >----- Original Message -----
>: >From: "Bob Burns K4RXR" <[email protected]>
>: >To: <[email protected]>
>: >Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 3:35 PM
>: >Subject: Re: [Ares-races] Windows + Experience = Bad
>: >
>: >
>: >: At 09:44 AM 3/11/02, Martin T. Focazio - KC2CXH wrote:
>: >:
>: >: >Most ham radio operators will be able to learn the basics of Linux in
>: >: >about a week.
>: >:
>: >: Marty's comments about OS reliability are valid. However, I really
>think
>: >we
>: >: need to consider the users.
>: >:
>: >: A few years ago, I volunteered to set up computerized logging for my
>: >club's
>: >: Field Day operation. I picked one of the popular DOS-based logging
>: >: programs, set up three laptop computers (two operating positions plus
>one
>: >: back up) with the software, and let the contacts roll up.
>: >:
>: >: Wrong!
>: >:
>: >: Most of our members were not contesters, were not familiar with logging
>: >: programs, and new nothing about DOS. The logs were a mess. It took
>several
>: >: evenings of hair-pulling to get things straightened out. I blamed most
>of
>: >: the problems on the user-surlyness of the logging program. But a big
>part
>: >: of the problem was DOS.
>: >:
>: >: Most of today's computer users know Windows and nothing else. DOS is
>: >: something they've heard us OFs talk about and Linux simply befuddles
>them.
>: >:
>: >: My opinion is that for an ARES packet system to be of any value, it has
>to
>: >: be very simple and easy to use. Given the knowledge level of most
>users,
>: >: that would tend to steer me towards a Windows solution.
>: >:
>: >: Bob...
>: >:
>: >: Please help QSL.NET by sending a donation now.
>: >:
>: >: If you have already donated, thanks for your support.
>: >: _______________________________________________
>: >: ARES-RACES mailing list
>: >: [email protected]
>: >: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ares-races
>: >
>: >Please help QSL.NET by sending a donation now.
>: >
>: >If you have already donated, thanks for your support.
>: >_______________________________________________
>: >ARES-RACES mailing list
>: >[email protected]
>: >http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ares-races
>:
>:
>: --
>: Martin T. Focazio
>: KC2CXH
>: [email protected]
>: Bucks County, Pennsylvania
>: Please help QSL.NET by sending a donation now.
>:
>: If you have already donated, thanks for your support.
>: _______________________________________________
>: ARES-RACES mailing list
>: [email protected]
>: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ares-races
>
>Please help QSL.NET by sending a donation now.
>
>If you have already donated, thanks for your support.
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-- 
Martin T. Focazio
KC2CXH
[email protected]
Bucks County, Pennsylvania