From 81fd230419b0cfd052b08fc1ed352bb7d49975df Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Gerard Beekmans Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2005 22:16:42 +0000 Subject: Trunk is now identical to Testing git-svn-id: http://svn.linuxfromscratch.org/LFS/trunk/BOOK@4648 4aa44e1e-78dd-0310-a6d2-fbcd4c07a689 --- prologue/foreword.xml | 57 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 56 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) (limited to 'prologue/foreword.xml') 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 @@ Foreword -See testing +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. + +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 perfect 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. + +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. + +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. + +This Linux From Scratch 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. + +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 your own. + + + +-- +Gerard Beekmans +gerard@linuxfromscratch.org + -- cgit v1.2.3-54-g00ecf