Subj : Re: BBS Software Recommendations
To   : Sean Dennis
From : Dan Clough
Date : Mon Nov 25 2024 15:26:24

-=> Sean Dennis wrote to Dan Clough <=-

 DC> Things run on Slackware here, too, and have for a LONG time.  I have
 DC> similar backup configurations, all automated, validated, and reliable.

 SD> Except when I think I'm smart and start breaking things...

Hahaha!  Don't do that!  :-)

 DC> I do understand how folks are reluctant to make a switch from Windows
 DC> to Linux.  It's a big jump, with a LOT of learning needed.  For many
 DC> (most, even), it's not worth it.  I'm glad I did it many years ago,
 DC> when Linux was even harder to learn about, but Windows wasn't
 DC> completely intertwined into everything I do.  ;-)

 SD> I'll be honest: if I was going to do it all over now, I'd just shut the
 SD> BBS down and run as a point.  However, over the years it took me to do
 SD> what I want, I'm glad I did it as it helped me learn Linux and BSD.  I
 SD> learned a lot that does serve me well now but I'm at the point to where
 SD> I am done experimenting.  I remember trying to compile Slackware
 SD> Linux's kernel in 2000 from scratch on my P3/933 and it took hours upon
 SD> hours then configuring the system (I'm looking at you, X...).  If
 SD> Windows didn't enforce forced obsolsence (sp), I'd still be using
 SD> Windows 2000 Professional.

The last Windows I really used was XP, and somewhere around 2002 I 
switched to Linux full time.  Mandrake was my first daily driver, and 
then around 2004 I went to Slackware for everything.  I actually dabbled 
with Slack first in 1998 but didn't do too much with it at that time.  I 
had run my BBS (PCBoard software that I paid for) back in 93-96, on 
MSDOS of course.  Was active duty Navy at that time and when I had to 
transfer the BBS came to an end (as they all were generally around that 
time) as the internet emerged.  I continued full time with Linux though, 
and finally in 2018 re-birthed my BBS (Synchronet now), on Linux.  I 
also remember the joy/pain of compiling Slack kernels back in the early 
2000's, and having to edit X-Windows config files (remember 
"modelines"?).  Ugh.  I don't bother with it any more either.

 SD> On a side note, my parents will be using computers with Slackware
 SD> installed soon as they basically only use Firefox and Thunderbird for
 SD> everything.  My mom needs more programs than my dad as she is the
 SD> finance arm of their household but they were never fans of Windows
 SD> anyway.

Excellent idea, and likely no virus worries from them either.

 SD> BBSing has always been a niche hobby even when it was more mainstream.
 SD> While we all enjoy discussing the hobby's halcyon days, I also don't
 SD> feel that there is a "one size fits all" solution and every BBS is
 SD> different and a labor of love for its sysop.

100% agree.

 SD> -- Sean
 SD>    (who is still sick and waxing poetic under the influence of Nyquil)

Hope you feel good soon, and thanks for the good convo!

Dan



.... If it weren't for Edison we'd be using computers by candlelight
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