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diff --git a/prologue/foreword.xml b/prologue/foreword.xml index c9aaf7242..7f2c31288 100644 --- a/prologue/foreword.xml +++ b/prologue/foreword.xml @@ -7,6 +7,61 @@ <title>Foreword</title> <?dbhtml filename="foreword.html"?> -<para>See testing</para> +<para>My adventures in Linux began six years ago when I downloaded and +installed my first distribution. After working with it for awhile, 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 alternate +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>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>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>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 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>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 straight 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>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></para> + +<literallayout>-- +Gerard Beekmans +gerard@linuxfromscratch.org</literallayout> </sect1> + |