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Hurts so sweet…
By insanity | July 3, 2008
Well… it’s been a long and seemingly unproductive day today.
Anyone who’s ever used Linux for a period of time can probably relate to this feeling: you have an issue, but no matter what you do the program/problem wont behave as you would like. In my case, I have been attempting to get Steam, Wine & Pulseaudio to all work simultaneously. This appears to be a fairly widespread problem, that has been around for a few months according to the internet.
The time waiting for things to download, compile, reboot, reconfigure etc. has allowed me some ample time to ponder the question that farseeker loves to raise about anyone foolish enough to try and run Linux: why do I “waste” my time on this? After all, I could simply reboot, select Windows XP from my boot menu and all my troubles would simply vanish. I know my graphics card works under Windows, I know my sound card does… games run without needing to manually copy dll’s around and tweak a dozen reg keys… and yet, booting Windows would ultimately be unsatisfying. You see, the reason I spend afternoons doing this kind of configuration work, is because I actually enjoy it (no, I don’t beat myself with sticks for fun 
)!
It can be traced back to one major thing that the most people don’t understand about open source software (OSS) users. I don’t use OSS it because its free, though that is an attractive option when facing $200 per copy of Windows. I don’t necessarily use it because it’s easier to work with, though I can think of many cases when it is easier than alternatives such as Windows. I don’t even use it to spite Microsoft, though it often might appear that way.
The key reason I use OSS because it allows me (encourages me even) to be more creative. Take today for example, I have spent all day reading man files, manipulating config files, I’m even in the process of compiling Wine with some extra patches to see if that helps anything.
Just for consideration, imagine what this problem would be like under Windows. With no access to source code, and the only documentation available from Microsoft, the whole issue could have been summed up in an hour or less. I would have found one of two things: either I would have gotten the answer that it was a MS bug, no they haven’t released a patch, and they probably won’t unless you call them personally. Or I would have found a dozen other people complaining about the issue, only to find after a dozen attempts to fix the problem that no-one really has a clue.
So, lets see, I have spent the day reading code from different (and better) programmers, I have been looking at some revolutionary designs for sound systems (PulseAudio is not your average sound daemon…), as well as getting practice at Debian packaging, code compiling, documentation, source control, patching systems etc.
Which of the two operating system issues would me become a better programmer? Definitely linux.
Which of the two situations would help me learn new problem solving skills, new technologies and new ideas? Definitely linux.
Which of the two situations will be resolved first? Oh, the Windows one quite likely. But I have no ability to improve the end result if I am not satisfied with the outcome (“No, we don’t care about that feature”). In linux… well, since I am a programmer, I could actually do it myself if the need is great enough.
When viewed from this perspective, it is clear that Linux is not wasting time at all, IF YOUR INTENTION IS TO LEARN ABOUT PROGRAMMING! It’s helping perform the equivalent function that daily exercise does for your physical body.
Topics: Personal, Programming, Public Perception | 1 Comment »
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Do you know what? I can’t argue with that. I was about to, but then my point was neutered.