RE @SBRKn

[Barry Wiseman]

Nancy Palmquist wrote:
> Barry Wiseman wrote:
>> Nancy Palmquist wrote:
>>  
>>> Richard Kreiss wrote:
>>>    
>>>> FYI
>>>>
>>>> Not sure how many of you noticed this new break function.
>>>>
>>>> I noticed it yesterday with 5.6.07.
>>>>
>>>> 5.6      @SBRKn      "Start of break" event.
>>>>       
>>
>> [snip]
>>
>>  
>>> Richard,
>>>
>>> Since they stopped publishing a manual, these treasures get lost.  I 
>>> am so glad you posted it.  I never noticed it and it could sure come 
>>> in handy.
>>>
>>> Maybe in their spare time, they could post some of the new commands 
>>> with examples to the list, just as a starting point.  The manuals 
>>> seem to be only intended for reference, and that implies that you 
>>> know what you are looking for.  New things only come to light if you 
>>> happen to open that page by accident.
>>>
>>> Nancy
>>>     
>>
>> Or if you happen to read the New Features document 
>> http://www.fptech.com/Products/Docs/g_fpplus.pdf when deploying a new 
>> release.  :-)
>>
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>>
>>
>>   
> Barry,
> 
> That is very helpful, but my point is still the same.
> 
> If you purchase an upgrade, the normal mode is to go to the web, 
> download the new version and look at the documents briefly, if you even 
> notice the new stuff at all.
> 
> In the paper manual days, you got it all in a package, these new 
> features would not only be listed in the document with the new features, 
> but they would be in a paper manual that made reference and study a 
> little easier.
> 
> I guess my age is showing.  I know you can search the on-line manual, 
> but you can not find something unless you have an idea of what to search.
> 
> A paper book can allow you to flip around and look for things.  My quick 
> reference guide - from Laura Brody - is the best tool I have at my 
> desk.  I can find syntax quickly.  But if I do not know a command 
> exists, I can only use it if I happen to notice it as I look for other 
> things.
> I always find new commands, options and flags as I look in a book.  I 
> say new in the context that I did not remember they were there.  But I 
> find looking back at the reference on occasion will make you notice 
> things that made no sense before or that did not meet any need.  But on 
> a return to the option, you see how it would solve a problem that has 
> arisen since you noticed it last.  So I think we learn based on need.  
> Returning to the manual and looking around for something is often the 
> best way to learn stuff - stuff you are looking for at the time and 
> stuff that you just happen upon in your quest for other information.
> 
> I never get that same result from the on-line docs.  I search for the 
> command and there is no rifling around, hence, no collateral learning.  
> I miss that.
> 
> Nancy
> 

Points well taken.  I am certainly not an online-vs-paper advocate at 
all;  I'm still dealing with feelings of betrayal and loss that neither 
Linux Review nor PC Magazine will continue in paper.  These pubs for me 
were welcome at the kitchen table, on the bus, on my nightstand. 
There's more free content online than I will ever read, I don't need to 
subscribe to for-pay online content.  </rant>

Regards,
Barry