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diff --git a/prologue/foreword.xml b/prologue/foreword.xml index e7cee7fb9..ef90397ae 100644 --- a/prologue/foreword.xml +++ b/prologue/foreword.xml @@ -10,55 +10,66 @@ <title>Foreword</title> - <para>My adventures in Linux began in 1998 when I downloaded and - installed my first distribution. After working with it for a while, I - discovered issues I definitely would have liked to see improved upon. - For example, I didn't like the arrangement of the bootscripts or the way - programs were configured by default. I tried a number of alternative - distributions to address these issues, yet each had its pros and cons. - Finally, I realized that if I wanted full satisfaction from my Linux - system, I would have to build my own from scratch.</para> +<para>My journey to learn and better understand Linux began over a decade ago, +back in 1998. I had just installed my first Linux distribution and had +quickly become intrigued with the whole concept and philosophy behind +Linux.</para> - <para>What does this mean? I resolved not to use pre-compiled packages - of any kind, nor CD-ROMs or boot disks that would install basic - utilities. I would use my current Linux system to develop my own - customized system. This <quote>perfect</quote> Linux system would then - have the strengths of various systems without their associated - weaknesses. In the beginning, the idea was rather daunting, but I - remained committed to the idea that a system could be built that would - conform to my needs and desires rather than to a standard that just - did not fit what I was looking for.</para> +<para>There are always many ways to accomplish a single task. The same can be +said about Linux distributions. A great many have existed over the years. +Some still exist, some have morphed into something else yet others have +been relegated to our memories.</para> - <para>After sorting through issues such as circular dependencies and - compile-time errors, I created a custom-built Linux system that was - fully operational and suitable to individual needs. This process also - allowed me to create compact and streamlined Linux systems which are - faster and take up less space than traditional operating systems. I - called this system a Linux From Scratch system, or an LFS system for - short.</para> +<para>They all do things differently to suit the needs of their target audience. +Because there existed so many different ways to accomplish the same end +goal, I began to realize I no longer had to be limited by any one +implementation. Prior to discovering Linux, we simply put up with issues in +other Operating Systems as you had no choice. It was what it was, whether +you liked it or not. With Linux, the concept of choice began to emerge. If +you didn't like something, you were free, even encouraged, to change +it.</para> - <para>As I shared my goals and experiences with other members of the - Linux community, it became apparent that there was sustained interest - in the ideas set forth in my Linux adventures. Such custom-built LFS - systems serve not only to meet user specifications and requirements, but - also serve as an ideal learning opportunity for programmers and system - administrators to enhance their Linux skills. Out of this broadened - interest, the Linux From Scratch Project was born.</para> +<para>I tried a number of distributions and could not decide on any one. They +were great systems in their own right. It wasn't a matter of right and +wrong anymore. It had become a matter of personal taste. With all that +choice available, it became apparent that there would not be a single +system that would be perfect for me. So I set out to create my own Linux +system that would fully conform to my personal preferences.</para> - <para>This <emphasis>Linux From Scratch</emphasis> book provides - readers with the background and instruction to design and build custom - Linux systems. This book highlights the Linux from Scratch project and - the benefits of using this system. Users can dictate all aspects of - their system, including directory layout, script setup, and security. - The resulting system will be compiled completely from the source code, - and the user will be able to specify where, why, and how programs are - installed. This book allows readers to fully customize Linux systems - to their own needs and allows users more control over their - system.</para> +<para>To truly make it my own system, I resolved to compile everything from +source code instead of using pre-compiled binary packages. This +<quote>perfect</quote> Linux system would have the strengths of various +systems without their perceived weaknesses. At first, the idea was rather +daunting. I remained committed to the idea that such a system could be +built.</para> - <para>I hope you will have a great time working on your own LFS - system, and enjoy the numerous benefits of having a system that is - truly <emphasis>your own</emphasis>.</para> +<para>After sorting through issues such as circular dependencies and compile-time +errors, a custom-built Linux system was finally built. It was fully +operational and perfectly usable like any of the other Linux systems out +there at the time. But it was my own creation. It was very satisfying to +have put together such a system yourself. The only thing better would have +been to create each piece of software yourself. This was the next best +thing.</para> + +<para>As I shared my goals and experiences with other members of the Linux +community, it became apparent that there was a sustained interest in those +ideas. It quickly became apparent that such custom-built Linux systems +serve not only to meet user specific requirements, but also serve as an +ideal learning opportunity for programmers and system administrators to +enhance their (existing) Linux skills. Out of this broadened interest, the +<emphasis>Linux From Scratch Project</emphasis> was born.</para> + +<para>This Linux From Scratch book is the central core around that project. It +provides the background and instructions necessary for you to design and +build your own system. While this book provides a template that will result +in a correctly working system, you are free to alter the instructions to +suit yourself . that is the whole point of the project after all. You +remain in control; we just lend a helping hand to get you started on your +own journey.</para> + +<para>I sincerely hope you will have a great time working on your own Linux From +Scratch system, and enjoy the numerous benefits of having a system that is +truly your own.</para> <literallayout>-- Gerard Beekmans |