Why did you go Linux?

nutcase · 28 Oct 2002 at 17:17

When I did A-Level CompSci (1996 exam), I did it on an Archimedes (although my DB prog was actually written on a BBC Master, and ported over, cos I did it all at home

). If at A level you are limited to a certain software brand or even architecture, then complain.

Shak · 28 Oct 2002 at 17:29

Cool. I used to have a BBC Micro

Thats where I started learning BASIC, I could make it play a tune when I was 8 (I was WELL pleased)

I'll make sure that I am allowed to a do a decent project, what did you lot do?

Shak

Mpemba Effect · 28 Oct 2002 at 17:48

Originally posted by Shak
You going there mate?

My sister goes there at the moment, and I reckon it sounds ace.

Also Andy, the sysadmin there is on the LUG mailing list.

@Mpemba: Didnt know M$ had been putting money into education only to leech it back through software charges.

Shak

I don't know if they fund any more but I think it's the original syllabuses, training etc was funded by MS and to set the standard.

Shak · 28 Oct 2002 at 18:02

Ah, I'll have to enquire into that. I dont want to end up doing a course where they wont let me use my favourite OS and stuff

Shak

KevB · 28 Oct 2002 at 18:12

Originally posted by Nozzer
I wouldn't know, I was never offered computing based courses at A-Level, come university you will do a lot more programming rather than messing around with things.

Linux is pretty much useless for College work, on my course we had to do Visual Basic programming in Excel & Access. We also had to use Borland Delphi, which can now be run under Kylix I understand.

It's much more appropriate for University stuff where you work with languages more than specific applications. I'm now in my second year of University and practically all of the stuff I've covered could be done in Linux, like Java, C/C++ & OpenGL programming. There was still one part of a module which required MS Access though!

Shak · 28 Oct 2002 at 18:15

I been looking at the Cambridge prospectus, it seems that there you can choose the modules that you do. Is that not the same in every Uni?

And also, why is it SPECIFICALLY Access? Surely being able to do SQL is better?

Shak

nutcase · 28 Oct 2002 at 18:23

Originally posted by Shak
Cool. I used to have a BBC Micro Thats where I started learning BASIC, I could make it play a tune when I was 8 (I was WELL pleased)

I'll make sure that I am allowed to a do a decent project, what did you lot do?

Shak

nothin exciting. I did a custom databse of chemical stocks and hazards etc. for a school science department. Cross linked, bubble sort and all that rubbish. Oh and it had to fit on a floppy

Was VERY efficient code...

Shak · 28 Oct 2002 at 18:25

Sounds good mate, I'm currently doing a db in access (bah, teacher "cant mark SQL as I dont know what it is") for a Pharmacy, I HATE Access..

Shak

KevB · 28 Oct 2002 at 18:31

Originally posted by Shak
I been looking at the Cambridge prospectus, it seems that there you can choose the modules that you do. Is that not the same in every Uni?

And also, why is it SPECIFICALLY Access? Surely being able to do SQL is better?

Shak

With the course I'm on the first year is set, then you can choose some modules for the 2nd & 3rd years.

The module I did Access in was in the first year, it was about Information Systems. As well as learning about simple analysis and design we had to create a DB for coursework.

The problem is there are so many people on the course with different levels of experience they have to teach from the basics in Access and go from there. We were not supposed to use VB code at all, you would be surprised what they teach you sometimes!

Shak · 28 Oct 2002 at 19:57

So the coursework wasnt specifically set in Access?

If there's a choice, I dont mind, but if its forced. Im annoyed.

Shak

nutcase · 28 Oct 2002 at 20:05

We were told specifically not to use any off the shelf software, well except the compiler of course!

Shak · 28 Oct 2002 at 20:08

Originally posted by nutcase_1uk
We were told specifically not to use any off the shelf software, well except the compiler of course!

So you wrote you're own database engine? Seems like re-inventing the wheel to me!

Shak

KevB · 28 Oct 2002 at 22:39

Originally posted by Shak
So the coursework wasnt specifically set in Access?

If there's a choice, I dont mind, but if its forced. Im annoyed.

Shak

If that reply was meant for me, then yes it was set specifically in Access.

Shak · 28 Oct 2002 at 22:51

It was meant for everyone and anyone, if thats the case, then Im really dissapointed, looks like Ill be challenging that one.

Shak :mad:

KevB · 28 Oct 2002 at 23:08

Originally posted by Shak
looks like Ill be challenging that one.

Can't see them changing a course just for you somehow!

Look on the bright side, at least you will know it all and be able to get full marks

, not that it matters in the first year!

Hades · 29 Oct 2002 at 00:12

Sorry to get the thread back onto track. I'm not a Linux user quite yet but keep meaning to try it. I'm also about to take the plunge and give it a go as dual boot on my main machine and then on a cut down version on a router project.

But the reasons why I'll probably be trying it are:

1) Cost. It's just getting too expensive to keep up with Microsoft. To be honest all the recent additions to Windows have just been glossy bits or have made it harder to use (W2K was the best OS from them I'd suggest - XP went overboard).

2) I've always been quite a techy so ease of use isn't quite so much of an issue for me.

3) The XP activation really annoyed me. I don't mind MS doing it as I understand why. But to force me to reactivate the thing (with a limited number of lives) when I rebuild the machine regularly drives me up the wall.

4) If people don't try other OS's then MS will be able to do whatever they like. Competition is vital and if people like ourselves (fairly technology aware and capable people) don't make a stand then what chance of less experienced people making the move? Until Linux gets a string following (which I feel it is starting to) then software producers will ignore it.

The one thing I don't seem to be able to do with Linux that I can with Windows is run all the games I play. But for now I can go back to W2K and move to Linux for other stuff.

Now if only I can get the thing installed