Draft version of replacement Foreword.

git-svn-id: http://svn.linuxfromscratch.org/LFS/trunk/BOOK@8907 4aa44e1e-78dd-0310-a6d2-fbcd4c07a689

prologue/foreword.xml

@@ -10,55 +10,66 @@
 
   <title>Foreword</title>
 
-  <para>My adventures in Linux began in 1998 when I downloaded and
+<para>My journey to learn and better understand Linux began over a decade ago,
-  installed my first distribution. After working with it for a while, I
+back in 1998. I had just installed my first Linux distribution and had
-  discovered issues I definitely would have liked to see improved upon.
+quickly become intrigued with the whole concept and philosophy behind
-  For example, I didn't like the arrangement of the bootscripts or the way
+Linux.</para> 
-  programs were configured by default. I tried a number of alternative
-  distributions to address these issues, yet each had its pros and cons.
-  Finally, I realized that if I wanted full satisfaction from my Linux
-  system, I would have to build my own from scratch.</para>
 
-  <para>What does this mean? I resolved not to use pre-compiled packages
+<para>There are always many ways to accomplish a single task. The same can be
-  of any kind, nor CD-ROMs or boot disks that would install basic
+said about Linux distributions. A great many have existed over the years.
-  utilities. I would use my current Linux system to develop my own
+Some still exist, some have morphed into something else yet others have
-  customized system. This <quote>perfect</quote> Linux system would then
+been relegated to our memories.</para>
-  have the strengths of various systems without their associated
-  weaknesses. In the beginning, the idea was rather daunting, but I
-  remained committed to the idea that a system could be built that would
-  conform to my needs and desires rather than to a standard that just
-  did not fit what I was looking for.</para>
 
-  <para>After sorting through issues such as circular dependencies and
+<para>They all do things differently to suit the needs of their target audience.
-  compile-time errors, I created a custom-built Linux system that was
+Because there existed so many different ways to accomplish the same end
-  fully operational and suitable to individual needs. This process also
+goal, I began to realize I no longer had to be limited by any one
-  allowed me to create compact and streamlined Linux systems which are
+implementation. Prior to discovering Linux, we simply put up with issues in
-  faster and take up less space than traditional operating systems. I
+other Operating Systems as you had no choice. It was what it was, whether
-  called this system a Linux From Scratch system, or an LFS system for
+you liked it or not. With Linux, the concept of choice began to emerge. If
-  short.</para>
+you didn't like something, you were free, even encouraged, to change
+it.</para>
 
-  <para>As I shared my goals and experiences with other members of the
+<para>I tried a number of distributions and could not decide on any one. They
-  Linux community, it became apparent that there was sustained interest
+were great systems in their own right. It wasn't a matter of right and
-  in the ideas set forth in my Linux adventures. Such custom-built LFS
+wrong anymore. It had become a matter of personal taste. With all that
-  systems serve not only to meet user specifications and requirements, but
+choice available, it became apparent that there would not be a single
-  also serve as an ideal learning opportunity for programmers and system
+system that would be perfect for me. So I set out to create my own Linux
-  administrators to enhance their Linux skills. Out of this broadened
+system that would fully conform to my personal preferences.</para>
-  interest, the Linux From Scratch Project was born.</para>
 
-  <para>This <emphasis>Linux From Scratch</emphasis> book provides
+<para>To truly make it my own system, I resolved to compile everything from
-  readers with the background and instruction to design and build custom
+source code instead of using pre-compiled binary packages. This
-  Linux systems. This book highlights the Linux from Scratch project and
+<quote>perfect</quote> Linux system would have the strengths of various
-  the benefits of using this system. Users can dictate all aspects of
+systems without their perceived weaknesses. At first, the idea was rather
-  their system, including directory layout, script setup, and security.
+daunting. I remained committed to the idea that such a system could be
-  The resulting system will be compiled completely from the source code,
+built.</para>
-  and the user will be able to specify where, why, and how programs are
-  installed. This book allows readers to fully customize Linux systems
-  to their own needs and allows users more control over their
-  system.</para>
 
-  <para>I hope you will have a great time working on your own LFS
+<para>After sorting through issues such as circular dependencies and compile-time
-  system, and enjoy the numerous benefits of having a system that is
+errors, a custom-built Linux system was finally built. It was fully
-  truly <emphasis>your own</emphasis>.</para>
+operational and perfectly usable like any of the other Linux systems out
+there at the time. But it was my own creation. It was very satisfying to
+have put together such a system yourself. The only thing better would have
+been to create each piece of software yourself. This was the next best
+thing.</para>
+
+<para>As I shared my goals and experiences with other members of the Linux
+community, it became apparent that there was a sustained interest in those
+ideas. It quickly became apparent that such custom-built Linux systems
+serve not only to meet user specific requirements, but also serve as an
+ideal learning opportunity for programmers and system administrators to
+enhance their (existing) Linux skills. Out of this broadened interest, the
+<emphasis>Linux From Scratch Project</emphasis> was born.</para>
+
+<para>This Linux From Scratch book is the central core around that project. It
+provides the background and instructions necessary for you to design and
+build your own system. While this book provides a template that will result
+in a correctly working system, you are free to alter the instructions to
+suit yourself . that is the whole point of the project after all. You
+remain in control; we just lend a helping hand to get you started on your
+own journey.</para>
+
+<para>I sincerely hope you will have a great time working on your own Linux From
+Scratch system, and enjoy the numerous benefits of having a system that is
+truly your own.</para>
 
 <literallayout>--
 Gerard Beekmans