Admin: add prose

1 files changed, 22 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/src/admin/1_intro.xml b/src/admin/1_intro.xml
index 653a5de..1fd4960 100644
--- a/src/admin/1_intro.xml
+++ b/src/admin/1_intro.xml
@@ -306,4 +306,26 @@
             </tgroup>
         </table>
     </section>
+    <section>
+        <title>What sets Adélie apart</title>
+        <para>The Adélie Linux operating environment has many features that stand out from other environments.</para>
+        <section>
+            <title>Libre software only</title>
+            <para>The first, and most important, is dedication to only providing libre software.  What is "libre software"?  Simply put, libre software is software that gives power to the user, instead of giving power to the developer or a corporation.  Many proprietary software packages have long contracts (sometimes terms "license agreements" or "EULAs") that restrict what you can do with it.  Libre software allows you the right to use it in any manner you wish, and the right to be able to change it yourself if you find an issue with it.  For many, this may not seem important, since most people are not computer programmers and can't actually change software themselves.  On the contrary, it is very important.  This allows those who are computer programmers, security researchers, and other interested parties review the source code for errors.  If an error, defect, or security issue is found during a review, it can be rectified nearly instantly.</para>
+            <para>This gives you an additional benefit: If the original developer of a proprietary software package no longer wishes to maintain it, they can discontinue it and take away your right to use it, even if you paid for it.  This is not possible with libre software.  The software that you use is yours to use for your entire lifetime.</para>
+            <para>Many other environments, including most other Linux distributions, eventually give in to the pressure to ship non-libre software.  The Adélie Linux software packaging guidelines specifically prohibits non-libre software from being included in Adélie Linux.</para>
+        </section>
+        <section>
+            <title>Package choice</title>
+            <para>Another valuable feature of Adélie Linux for administrators is the ability to choose what package serves your environment best.  You are not forced into a single init system, shell, MTA, logging daemon, or other such systems.  Your system is yours, and you have the freedom to choose.  For instance, the APK package manager will automatically prompt you to choose an MTA from the provided MTA packages when you install a package that requires one.</para>
+        </section>
+        <section>
+            <title>Stable versioning and release schedule</title>
+            <para>Adélie Linux puts stability first.  Package versions are chosen from upstream stability guarantees, and are LTS releases where possible.  Security patches are prioritised over feature releases.  Adélie Linux has a predictable release schedule, with new major releases every 18 months, and minor releases provided for three years after each new major release.  There are three "release channels" for Adélie: "stable", "current", and "dev".  A "stable" channel is provided for each major version that will update your computer to each new minor release automatically.  The "current" channel will also automatically upgrade your computer to each new major version as it is released.  The "dev" channel provides a "rolling" style distribution, similar to Fedora Rawhide or Debian sid.</para>
+        </section>
+        <section>
+            <title>Support for many platforms</title>
+            <para>Adélie Linux supports many different hardware platforms, allowing you to truly use your hardware your way.  All Adélie Linux packages are tested on all tier 1 architectures before being released.  From your dusty old Intel x86 notebook, to your POWER workstation, to your ARM tablet, you can ensure you are getting the most from your computers by using Adélie Linux on them.</para>
+        </section>
+    </section>
 </chapter>