[NCLUG] root/superuser pwd question

[Brian Wood]

Bob Proulx wrote:
> Brian Wood wrote:
>> My problem with Ubuntu is not the way they set things up, but the fact
>> that they don't even mention other possibilities.
> 
> Ubuntu is the new SuSE.  They are catering to the user who hasn't had
> twenty years of unix experience.  Therefore by default they are trying
> to make things simple.  Using sudo is a simple and effective way to
> document and proceed.  You only need to know your one password for one
> account.  You don't need to know two passwords for two accounts.  To
> you and me that isn't any trouble at all.  But for many people being
> introduced to the concept for the first time having two accounts is
> twice as hard as having one and *for them* it is complicated.

You're correct there, even more than catering to non-Unix users, Ubuntu
seems to cater specifically to people making the move from Windows
(Though their system setup looks suspiciously like OS/X).

I guess that's also why they chose Gnome, KDE appeals to folks wanting
to be able to do more with their GUI (though KDE is 25 mega-KLOCs, as
opposed to Gnome's 5 mega-KLOCs).

I guess is frustrates me at times, but I usually run Debian or CentOS. I
keep one system running (K)ubuntu so I can answer questions from a few
friends I have who are using it. I think it's a philosophical issue: is
the goal to get people running a Unix system by making it "easier", or
is the goal to teach people "traditional" Unix?

Someone who learned Unix from Ubuntu is in serious trouble if faced with
a failed GUI, or a remote server that can only be accessed by ssh and a
CLI, but I guess a non-mechanic is in trouble if their car breaks down
in the desert, and I am certainly not an auto mechanic, but I still
drive a car :-)

beww