TS Lura wrote:
Dear OpenBSD community,
I'm a student for a MSc Advanced Networking degree.
I have a little situation maybe you guys could give me some feedback on.
The issue is that my module leader is refusing even to consider mentioning
OpenBSD, or any BSD in introductory Linux course where the focus is on
network services. DNS, iptables, Apache.
It is a introductory course, with limited time. So it's understandable that
one has to be level-headed on what's to go in as material in the course. My
argument is only to have a reference to OpenBSD, PF, and maybe the jailing
of named, when we go through the topics of iptables, and DNS.
My professor (the module leader) argue that almost no one is using BSD, and
those that does is probably 70+ and so it will soon die off, in a humours
tone. In more serious tone, lack of applications.
I'm a bit resigned by this attitude, because we are at a master level about
networking. We learn about all the technologies surrounding routers,
switches, wan, security, etc. As such I think that OpenBSD is really a bean
to be counted when we learn about open/free software. So in relation to
this, I would argue that OpenBSD is a excellent platform for networking
services.
I have said so in writing, and verbally only to be brushed off.
I feel it's game over, at this point. But maybe you guys have some
suggestion about good arguments that might persuade my professor?
Well, you're absolutely right about OpenBSD, but you're wrong in
worrying about this particular circumstance.
Anyone doing anything important can't help but notice OpenBSD. Its
reputation really jumps out when doing any search into networking or
Operating Systems. When I was doing general searches a few years ago to
see which of the several thousand Linuxes would be a good choice, I kept
running into stuff mentioning OpenBSD. It didn't take long for me to
forget about Linux. I have no regrets.
So don't worry. The "right" people don't need any prodding, they will
make it here on their own!
Chris Bennett
--
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
-- Robert Heinlein
