[Ham-Computers] RE: Newbie Intro.

[jeff]

> Anyway I have about 44 years experience in the computer industry.

I have a tube computer.  It's slow as hell but it sounds GREAT  :)


> At one time I could program in Fortran, COBOL (ugh), IBM Assembler, APL,
> PL1, 'C', 'C++',

wow.
Can you program an Altair with 32 switches on the front panel?  :)



> and circuit modeling, and PCB layout/routing. I think I will run LINUX
> rather than windows:-)

Excellent idea!  I do.
I highly recommend the Knoppix cd, both for trying it out and for
installing it.  It will boot right up, detect your hardware and your
connection, and you're running, all without touching your HD.  If you
want to install, you can do that too.  It installs Debian, which is very
stable (I've tried a few Red Hats, Mandrakes, and others).

There is no shortage of linux apps for hams either.  Some come with
Debian, I think.

I still have a Windows box at home and work, but that's because I have
to.  Mac OSX runs on a Unix derivative, btw.  I believe it will run
linux apps but don't quote me on that.




Oh yeah, I'm a SWL studying for a Tech license.  Computer/Network geek
by trade, guitarist by nature.