Tiny Core Linux

General TC => General TC Talk => Topic started by: rote on January 31, 2010, 04:47:59 PM

Title: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: rote on January 31, 2010, 04:47:59 PM
The central web page, under the heading "Core concepts"
http://www.tinycorelinux.com/concepts.html
still speaks about four modes of operation.
but the 2nd was apparently abolished in TC 2.7.
("Everyone should take the time to read this document ")

The same is true for the imformation page that appears when pressing
HELP in the cpanel. (at least for version TC 2.7).

(Yes, I know this is written under "News" on the "welcome" page,
but when you first get there, you don't usually have the knowledge to
appreciate that stuff. I was really banging my head off to find
out why the Appbrowser only offered me the "Install" method but
not the RAM-saving "mount" method. Was it something with wrong
permissions? some missing boot code? something with the ext4 file
system on my new (otherwise) ubuntu machine?
-- Günter
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: curaga on February 01, 2010, 02:08:00 AM
True. The mode however, or install to filesystem, is still available, but with the same tcz extensions.

The included help file was removed in 2.9rc1.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: roberts on February 11, 2010, 12:35:49 PM
With all the recent structual changes to Tiny Core, Core Concepts has indeed needed an update.
I have updated Core Concepts: http://www.tinycorelinux.com/concepts.html

Please help by reporting errors and omisions.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: SamK on February 12, 2010, 04:40:59 AM
With all the recent structual changes to Tiny Core, Core Concepts has indeed needed an update.
I have updated Core Concepts: http://www.tinycorelinux.com/concepts.html

Please help by reporting errors and omisions.
As this is likely to be one of the documents most helpful to new TC users I would like to suggest a slight change in structure.

Each mode section is currently a largely technical description of how the concepts work and how to use them.  I would like to suggest that each section is prefaced with a description which answers the notional question "what does this mean to me" and then proceed to the technical section.

For example the cloud mode might contain something like the following:

Cloud/Internet Mode: Tinycore Default
Whether you use Tinycore on just one, or many different computers, this mode guarantees you are using our most up to date applications.  Each time you start Tinycore it is like using a fresh, clean PC ready to be customized by adding your choice of applications.

When used in this way it is similar to using a 'single shot ' PC.  Once the PC is switched off everything is lost, Tinycore, applications and all unsaved data.  Switching the PC on again puts you back in control of a pristine Tinycore PC awaiting your customization.

roberts technical description answering "what it is" and/or "how to use it"


Question: Should the title of the cloud section be as I have shown above?  It seems to be reversed in the published version when compared to the other section headings.
 
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: roberts on February 12, 2010, 06:51:30 AM
Cloud is not the only pristine boot. To me, stating such is obvious.
PPR provides a pristine boot each time which is not obvious.
The Hybrid, PPI, which actually writes the files onto a hard drive partition does not.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: SamK on February 12, 2010, 08:59:28 AM
To clarify a little more...

My idea was that each mode section has its own, individual preface.  The suggested wording related only to the Cloud mode and was not intended to be all encompassing or refer to any other mode.  The wording offered was simply an indication of the type of non technical description that might enable a new use to quickly establish whether that section is of interest and lead in to the technical description.

Cloud is not the only pristine boot. To me, stating such is obvious.
PPR provides a pristine boot each time which is not obvious.
The Hybrid, PPI, which actually writes the files onto a hard drive partition does not.
It was not my intention to imply that Cloud mode is the only pristine boot, rather that it does produce a pristine environment.  Each mode preface would contain non technical information relevant to the mode it is describing.

I fully accept that to veteran TC users, and particularly the main developer, the difference between the modes is obvious.  To newer users of the distro this difference has to be learned and understood.  The idea of a non technical preface element to each mode section is made with the intention of helping gain an initial understanding of TC.
 
As a new user I am not aware of what may be considered obvious; taken for granted or assumed about TC or its use.  The suggestion is offered simply in the spirit of helping the project from one who is still exploring the distro.
 
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: roberts on February 12, 2010, 04:18:35 PM
As the author of the Core infrastructure, it is not possible for me to have the perspective of a new user. Core Concepts has always been slanted on the technical side.  It is penned by the developer

Core Concepts  is not intended to be an "Introduction to Core".  I should not be the one to attempt such an introductory document. I am open to those who are adept at creating such introductory material to offer up their submissions for my review.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on February 13, 2010, 07:06:03 AM
Quote
Core Concepts  is not intended to be an "Introduction to Core".  I should not be the one to attempt such an introductory document. I am open to those who are adept at creating such introductory material to offer up their submissions for my review.

Well, as long as we're looking for a starting point (attached PDF, ODT).

Feel free to pull down the attachments once you've got 'em, Roberts.

Cheers from Valentine's Day!
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: roberts on February 13, 2010, 07:21:26 AM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: SamK on February 14, 2010, 02:31:24 AM
Core Concepts has always been slanted on the technical side.
Does this imply that you wish it to remain a technical document only?
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: roberts on March 08, 2010, 07:20:38 AM
Thanks to user dentonlt, an Intro link has been added to our main webpage pointing to an "Introduction to Core".
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: OldAdamUser2 on March 08, 2010, 05:18:42 PM
Quote
Core Concepts  is not intended to be an "Introduction to Core".  I should not be the one to attempt such an introductory document. I am open to those who are adept at creating such introductory material to offer up their submissions for my review.

Well, as long as we're looking for a starting point (attached PDF, ODT).

Feel free to pull down the attachments once you've got 'em, Roberts.

Cheers from Valentine's Day!


dentonit, I really like what you  have written. Here are a few proofreading notes:

pdf p1 "Many question already have . . . " change to "Many questions already have . . . "
pdf p1 "but, like and strong tool" change to "but, like any strong tool"
pdf p2 "after an unusually boot up." I'm not sure what is meant here, but I'd change it to "after you boot Tiny Core for the first time--usually via an ethernet connection."
pdf p3 "Don't forget to RTM." OK. I admit I'm out of it, but what is RTM?

These are tiny suggestions, dentonit, because I think you have done a terrific job of writing an engaging introduction and invitation to potential users. Kudos.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: roberts on March 08, 2010, 09:50:40 PM
Since dentonlt does not have direct access to the website, I have taken the liberty to perform some of the suggested edits.
Title: feedback from a TC newbie and stupid mode person
Post by: aus9 on March 12, 2010, 04:23:50 PM
Hi

I am a TC newbie and frequently start the day in stupid persistant mode....heh heh

Feedback section: The Copy Mode of Operation: TCE/Install + copyfs indicator

Suggest you edit to include the following between the bold font.....if you agree I am understanding your core concepts. Whip me if I am still stupid......but if still stupid....maybe others like me....will fail to understand this bit as well?

The default mode is to mount. This means the tcz file is available to be installed but not yet installed. It is available to be read by the appbrowser as a local file that does not need downloading,  but not yet installed. Use the appbrowser to install local if you need it. If you wish to literally install.


Suggest you delete the word copy install.....(looks ugly IMHO) and change to

you have the choice of installing the entire collection

regards


BTW even if you disagree with my suggestions.....your web page is a lot easier to read now thanks
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: ^thehatsrule^ on March 20, 2010, 03:47:11 PM
I believe that it's "dentonlt" and not "dentonit" :P

For the record, RTM in this context means "read the manual"

aus9: no, that is incorrect (doesn't relate)
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on March 24, 2010, 08:35:39 PM
Ooh - I just noticed that those docs ended up live. Don't I feel special! Thanks, Roberts. Glad to help. Same to you OldAdam2 - glad you took the time to do the proofreading.

Yep, whatever changes are necessary ... make 'em. Public property now!

And thanks to ^hats^ for pointing out the L.

EDIT: While I'm here ... is there a reason the font at http://www.tinycorelinux.com/intro.html doesn't match http://www.tinycorelinux.com/welcome.html and the other pages? The Intro doc ends up unreadably small on my netbook. Perhaps it's because I do have the MS Core Fonts and such, but I imagine I won't be the only one.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: roberts on March 24, 2010, 08:41:00 PM
Sorry for the misspelling. Muscular Dystrophy has taken in toll on my vision. Some letter combination are most difficult for me.

BTW, I made 100 copies of your Intro document and all were handed out at Scale 8x.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on March 24, 2010, 08:46:36 PM
WOW. Now I feel REEEELY special!  ;D

Glad to help.  Least I can do right now - I'm using TC full time. Super stable and lovin' it.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: curaga on March 25, 2010, 02:16:27 AM
EDIT: While I'm here ... is there a reason the font at http://www.tinycorelinux.com/intro.html doesn't match http://www.tinycorelinux.com/welcome.html and the other pages? The Intro doc ends up unreadably small on my netbook. Perhaps it's because I do have the MS Core Fonts and such, but I imagine I won't be the only one.

The HTML of the intro doc specified its own fonts, which I presumed was intentional. If not, those can be removed so that it uses the same fonts as the rest.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on March 25, 2010, 04:44:57 AM
I just used what I had handy. To me, matching the site style is much more important. Strip 'em!
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: curaga on March 25, 2010, 06:05:25 AM
Done, dropped 6kb right off the size :)

Please check if it looks better now.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on March 25, 2010, 10:21:27 PM
Looks more unified now, so that's good. Thanks, Curaga.

I've still got to adjust my browser - something wrong with the antialiasing. Not your problem!  ;)
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: aus9 on April 26, 2010, 05:13:24 PM
hi

I am still learning but as a TC newbie appreciate the Intro page by dentonlt but did not read this forum correctly so missed the bit that he could not update the page...( I virtually spank myself)

SUGGESTIONS to Intro
http://tinycorelinux.com/intro.html

1) Copy the Welcome to Tiny Core Linux section into it from http://tinycorelinux.com/

Yes this is a repeat but if a newbie clicks on Intro....no harm in repeating it.

2) IS TINY CORE FOR ME?--Not a 'turnkey' operating system

Suggest it reads--
Tiny Core can help you do what you need it to do. Tiny Core stays tiny by not including tools like a browser or word processor. Tiny Core can help you download and install those tools if you need them.

(I have deliberately left out really quickly to stop the US citizens wanting to sue me for suggesting TC will give them a faster internet...heh heh)

3) WHY IS TINY CORE SPECIAL?--Unusually Fast.
Consider this sentence
Experienced users can still install Tiny Core to disk, but Tiny Core can run out of 48 megabytes of RAM ... or less.

I infer --its runs out of MEANS some kind of technical error which is not likely............ so suggest it reads------

can run on 48 megabytes of RAM.

I have left off the ------"or less"  bit as if it can run on less say what the specs are otherwise you may appear vague like some other operating system?


4) WHY IS TINY CORE SPECIAL?-Internet ready
Consider this sentence
You can even come back here and ransack the forums if you find you need help.

ransack is a link but suggest you change it to read (with the link)
You can even come back here and search the forums if you find you need help.

Maybe there is a joke between mods that TC is built by Vikings? This joke would be lost on TC newbies like me.

regards

gordy


(Below is trivia = personal opinion)

I am still learning TC. I am using a persistent home, tce, opt
I have created a wiki page on cups1311 so I am not entirely wanting to appear like the whiner that I am .
As I sent a pm to dentonlt by mistake but am now aware he enjoys a joke......change whiner to winer

Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on April 27, 2010, 12:42:38 AM
Oops - I had a great reply all formulated, and ... now it's gone. [sigh]

Brief version: I'm all for whatever works :p

(1) Welcome copy: sure, why not? Redundancy can be good - helps unify.

(2) I like getting rid of my "double but"-ing. I like the idea that TC makes app-getting real easy/fast, though. I vote for something b/t original and edits.

(3) "in"/"on" vs "out of" - sure.
I am in favor of the vague-ness on the 48mb, as it depends upon user decisions and hardware. That's me :)

(4) change "ransack" to "search". Okey dokey. I made quite a few informal comments in the intro, b/c I wanted to give a pretty informal intro. If that one word is a problem, no worries. If the informality is a concern, we should go through and remove all the other informal language for consistency.

I'm glad it's still under discussion. Must mean a topic people care about!
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: ^thehatsrule^ on April 29, 2010, 10:25:32 PM
4) I think it's a nice choice of words and makes the read more lively (in terms of English).  I don't think there's an inside joke... :P
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on April 30, 2010, 01:11:20 AM
now off-topic, but  ... whiner? Nah. Winer? Like wine-r? I'll take a nice red.

TC content: I'll drink a glass of cabernet as I make the TC 2.10 hibernate kit.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on June 04, 2010, 10:29:39 PM
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

In any case, I went through the Core Concepts page and separated some of the prose for readability. Attached if the team likes it. No harm if you don't - public property at this point.

I haven't gotten the 3.0 release, so perhaps this is premature. I hope it makes the next step a little easier, though.

Cheers -

DLT
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: curaga on June 05, 2010, 12:44:48 AM
Dentonlt, would you post a diff against the .html? For existing docs that would be a better way for us to see the exact changes.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on June 05, 2010, 08:10:49 AM
Unfortunately, I cut/pasted the html text into OO2, then edited that. I guess I'll work from the HTML next time for ease/consistency.

Plain text original/updated versions + diff attached (diff Original Update > Original.diff). The diff may not be that revealing - I re-ordered the material and spread things quite a lot.

Hope this is near what you meant. Any other suggestions for how to go about this next time?
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: curaga on June 05, 2010, 08:43:43 AM
I meant doing something like downloading the .html file, make a copy, edit (in a plain text editor), then post a diff.

Plain text is usable enough for this time, though. :)
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on June 05, 2010, 04:37:29 PM
I was afraid that's what you meant.   :P

I'll do that the next time I dig in on something like this.
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: curaga on June 12, 2010, 09:19:33 AM
Updated Core Concepts page now online. Thanks!
Title: Re: Please update Docu on "Modes of Operation"
Post by: dentonlt on June 12, 2010, 05:22:07 PM
Rock out! Glad it's helped.  ;D