Scott (Retired)
My first computer was a Magnavox 386 that ran a customized version of DOS. The world of computing has come a long way since those dark days of the early 90’s, and so have I. Up until a few years ago, Microsoft provided my primary operating system, and my profession. For the last ten years I have worked as a Network Analyst and Manager in a Windows shop. During that time I earned several Microsoft, Novell and industry certifications, including the CISSP.
Having been exposed to Linux while in school earning a BS in Computer Science, I had experienced a number of false starts while trying to use it. I would work to get a distro installed on a given piece of hardware, only to revert back to familiar Windows when I hit a brick wall and couldn’t get resolution for some issue. I tried a number of the major distros, including Red Hat and Mandrake. I even purchased a shrink wrapped copy of SuSE at a box store. Unfortunately, I was never fully able to move away from Windows for most of my computing needs. Until about three years ago, when I decided I was going to make it work.
Having taken a quick look at Ubuntu, I recognized that it wasn’t for me. I looked down the list on Distrowatch and chose Mint because I liked the description. Upon installation I knew I had made the right choice. That was Linux Mint 7, and I have run every version since as my primary operating system. I also like to do a bit of distro-hopping with my other (spare) laptops, so I have tried all the major distros over the last several years. I stay with Mint because it is, to my mind, the most functional of distributions. I have had to come up with workarounds and sometimes kludges when using Mint at work, but it has been worth it. And I think that experience gives me an interesting perspective to bring to the podcast.
I love helping to produce mintCast. I think we have a real opportunity (and responsibility) to bring interesting and relevant content to our audience. Those listeners are investing their time, and it is important that we don’t waste it. If you’re a new listener, I hope you enjoy what you hear, and keep coming back. If not, write in and tell us how we can do a better job.
