[OT] Debian mailinglists [was: RE: Debian or Ubuntu?]

[Bart Silverstrim]

Mario Vukelic wrote:
> On Tue, 2008-05-20 at 13:43 -0400, Bart Silverstrim wrote:
>> Sorry, did I miss the part where you weren't saying you're avoiding a 
>> method or tool simply because you don't like to do something that may 
>> associate with you with those lowly primitive mouth-breathing yet often 
>> well-paid click-monkeys and you have an actual valid reason showing that 
>> the CLI is inherently better to use in all cases?
> 
> Please don't start an unnecessary flamewar by sloppy reading and
> inconsiderate replies :)

The statement I made reflected on the quote:
**
I'm sorry but admins who are reduced to point & click monkeys by
Window's GUI config tools can provide all the arguments that are
necessary.
**

I think that while my statement wasn't tactful, it wasn't unprovoked either.

But I will say it's admirable and rare for someone to actually take time 
to clarify their position after such an exchange.

> My point was that anyone who has ever had to edit a complicated MS
> server with its GUI tool knows why CLIs are better suited for that task,
> at least for knowledgeable server admins, which frankly anyone should be
> who admins a valuable server.
> Those who have had to manager 100 servers with GUI tools know even
> better.

I don't have 100 servers, but I have had a fair number of systems to 
configure and quite frankly I find a mix to be most appropriate. The 
command line is slick and fast (as long as I've already learned about 
and know what I am doing). But it gets *unwieldy* when I have a two or 
three line set of commands because of long paths or redirects, for 
example. It is a lot easier for me to (again, just an example) have a 
graphical interface where I can set options and let it rip with a task.

I have had tasks that are easier with a few typed commands. I've had 
some where it's just easier for me to work with a tree of objects. Ever 
try navigating the Windows registry by command line? Painful, with some 
hive and key names. Graphically, it's a cinch, plus easier to compare 
two or more keys.

I still stand by the statement that so far the argument is GUI tools 
just suck, just use it and you'll know why; this doesn't say what the 
problem is. This is reflecting a personal matter of style and/or taste, 
not a definitive reason. There are volumes on human/computer interaction 
out there that embody research on computer interfaces, so while some 
express a preference by the simple "it just sucks", it is possible to 
define the reasoning. The statements made reflect just the current 
generation of tools and your preferences without actually giving a 
non-subjective reason.

Unless, of course, I missed this.  Which is totally possible.

As I said, I have preferences to use both, and there are plenty of cases 
where the current tools suck and shine, depending on the situation, 
mood, and phase of the moon.