In A Rut

[shanenin]

This last year I have really let up on my quest of learning about linux. I think that it coincides with me starting my repair shop. I felt like I needed to use and learn windows everyday(this means not using linux as much) to be better at my job(I am getting to use windows better). The strange thing is I feel like I am letting myself down by using windows more then linux. Don't get me wrong, I use my linux box everyday, but don't really take the time to learn anything new like I used to :-(

Edited December 9, 2006 by shanenin

[Bubba Bob]

This last year I have really let up on my quest of learning about linux. I think that it coincides with me starting my repair shop. I felt like I needed to use and learn windows everyday(this means not using linux as much) to be better at my job(I am getting to use windows better). The strange thing is I feel like I am letting myself down by using windows more then linux. Don't get me wrong, I use my linux box everyday, but don't really take the time to learn anything new like I used to :-(

No better way (IMO) to get out of a rut than to read a new book.

[shanenin]

maybe "in a rut" is a bad title for my post. I agree reading a book about something non-computer would be good. I will take you up on that advice :-)

I think i am more irritated that I feel like I HAVE TO USE WINDOWS. If it was not for my profession, I would not hardly use it at all. The sad thing is, to get really good at windows, I need to use it more. I even considered learning visual basic **shudder**

Edited December 9, 2006 by shanenin

[Bubba Bob]

maybe "in a rut" is a bad title for my post. I agree reading a book about something non-computer would be good. I will take you up on that advice :-)

I think i am more irritated that I feel like I HAVE TO USE WINDOWS. If it was not for my profession, I would not hardly use it at all. The sad thing is, to get really good at windows, I need to use it more. I even considered learning visual basic **shudder**

Whoops, I ment read a good book on Linux.

So, how is your new biz goin?

[shanenin]

Thats the thing, I think that if I use the computer I should be directing my thoughts at windows(not a good thing). Maybe I should get a good windows book, maybe visual basic ;-)

As to the business. Its keeping its head above water, but not supporting the family(yet). I am building a customer base and learning a lot. This last year I have had just one small yellowpage ad in one of the two books people use in this area. It has brought me some business(average $600/month in sales). I have a lot return customers and referrals. This January I have committed to a half page ad in yellowbook, I will have the largest ad out of any repair shop in town. In march I am placing a half page ad in quest yellow book, again the largest ad out of any repair shop in town. One of two things will happen, I will be busy enough to make a livable income or the $1000/month ads will bankrupt me. I think i will be doing well :-) I am really excited for January to come.

Edited December 9, 2006 by shanenin

[hitest]

This last year I have really let up on my quest of learning about linux. I think that it coincides with me starting my repair shop. I felt like I needed to use and learn windows everyday(this means not using linux as much) to be better at my job(I am getting to use windows better). The strange thing is I feel like I am letting myself down by using windows more then linux. Don't get me wrong, I use my linux box everyday, but don't really take the time to learn anything new like I used to :-(

I understand, but, you are a seasoned, hardened Linux expert, shanenin! I started Linux before you, but, I've never seen anyone learn as fast as you. We are lucky to have you here, shanenin:-) You must take a break from the goodness of open source software to learn about your business, which is primarily windows.

I nominated you for the position of Linux Expert because you are an expert; a creative problem solver! I learn from you. Linux will always be here. Take the time you need to learn windows, your family and you will profit:-)

[shanenin]

Thanks for the kind words

[hitest]

Thanks for the kind words

You're welcome:-)

[martymas]

shanenin

windows is your bread and butter

so you have to dedicate time to fix win

applications

linux is a side line

as far as your living is concerned

yes i agree with hi test

you are an asset on the board weather it

be windows or linux

so go for it and good luck

marty

[jcl]

I think i am more irritated that I feel like I HAVE TO USE WINDOWS. If it was not for my profession, I would not hardly use it at all. The sad thing is, to get really good at windows, I need to use it more. I even considered learning visual basic **shudder**

Windows is an interesting system. When I briefly switched to WinXP a couple years ago (after my Linux laptop died) I decided to really learn the system. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Windows sucks in a lot of ways but it has all kinds of neat and weird features that you don't find on Linux. Even Win32 seemed like less of an abomination once I started to grok the logic behind it. There's a really nice operating system underneath all that cruft.

I didn't touch VB though. I did a little VBScript when I was playing with WSH and it wasn't too bad. (WSH is really neat. It's the scripting environment that you wish cmd.exe provided.)

Edited December 9, 2006 by jcl

[iccaros]

you could always learn C#, its use full on Windows and With Mono is use full on Linux.

you can use C# with the new PowerShell for Windows so its good for Admin

I have to Program for Windows at work (also soem *Nix programing but they seem to get done and not need as much hand holding)

so I keep it interesting by trying to make sure my C# will also run in Mono

but I think that all ruts are just an excuse to find a new project.

linux is not a girlfriend who gets mad when you don't use her

[tictoc5150]

linux is not a girlfriend who gets mad when you don't use her

funny

Shanenin:

I went and am still going through somewhat of the same "rut" you're experiencing but I don't really have the reasons you do (business related), I've kinda switched back to using windows primarily for the apps I use in my hobbies (e.g. Photoshop CS, Guitar Tracks Pro, Dreamweaver, etc. etc. etc.). I haven't booted my desktop to linux in what seems like months (quite the waste of 550GB of HD space) and have a laptop running ubuntu 24/7 only for watching movies in bed (basically requires no maintenance). I haven't really learned anything new about linux in quite a while and have probably forgotten a bit of the info that I had when I was undeservedly given the "linux expert" status.

The thing I used to like doing was installing a distro (troubleshoot what's wrong) and setting it up to be exactly the way I want it...but what's next, reinstall? How many times can I do that until the enjoyment wears off...apparently the answer to that is about 20 times...lol

Don't get me wrong, I like open source and the freedom to modify any damn file on my computer however I want, but also like a lot of windows applications.