Computer Guy Goes Old-school and Writes a Book
The Green Sheet Inc.'s own Systems Administrator, Kyle Rankin, wrote "Knoppix Hacks," recently published by O'Reilly Media Inc., a company that provides information sources on computer technologies. This is one of a series of O'Reilly "Hacks" books, and Kyle's knowledge of and fondness for the portable open source Knoppix system creates a tool for computer users that's as handy and flexible as a Swiss Army knife. The "Hacks" books provide "100 industrial-strength tips and tools" for using a variety of programs and systems. (Kyle reviewed "Google Hacks" in The Green Sheet, March 8, 2004, issue 04:03:01.) Kyle's is the first book on Klaus Knopper's portable Linux distribution. In it, Kyle shares his extensive knowledge of Knoppix to show new users and experts alike how to use the enormous amount of software on the CD to troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, disinfect and be more productive, even using Windows. "The idea behind the book is that since you have all these programs and utilities on one CD, it would be good to write down everything you can do with the software," Kyle said. "These things include repairing and recovering system files, checking e-mail, browsing the Internet and word processing. All your programs are on one CD, and you can take them with you and run them on any computer." Kyle has been an enthusiastic Linux proponent since 1998, and his book provides the kind of technical detail you'd expect. Not only does he have a lot to write about, he has a lot to say about it, too: He does regular presentations to local user groups, and in 2004, he spoke at two national Linux conferences. What's it like being a published author? Kyle said he's not used to the limelight, and the attention is a little embarrassing, but he feels a real sense of personal accomplishment over seeing his ideas in print. We think it's totally awesome that we have somebody so smart working at The Green Sheet because sometimes we don't know what Kyle's talking about, and we'd be lost without him. We're glad he's here to keep our network humming, our Web site an excellent resource for payments news and information, and the MLS Forum such a comfortable place to exchange ideas.
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hile the title, or subject matter, of this newly published book might not roll off the tongue with ease, visitors to GS Online's MLS Forum will surely recognize the author's name.
