[atomize]

Nice to see some love for FreeBSD. My intro to +nix in the mid 90s started with FreeBSD as well. Back then, I used to tag along with my dad in the summer to work occasionally (two working parents, and dad ran/runs a small telecom business). In the supply closet I saw a shelf with boxes lined up that all had a cool-ass little devil on them. Being interested in computers from my fathers influence, I asked him what the 'Devil Software' was in the storage closet, and he explained that it was an operating system like Windows sort-of (which at the time I was already well in to understanding how to re-install =), but that it ran on Voicemail Servers - stuff with specific needs - because it was very 'flexible in configuration', as he put it. He then gave me a voicemail box and the manual, and said he would give me $20 if I could get the 'Devil Software' installed on the machine from a blank HDD. This. was. huge. $20 to a 13 yr old was serious dough. Eventually I was successful (to his surprise? or dismay? haha since he was out 20 bucks). He was proud, and that made me proud, and that started the journey that is still ongoing to this day. Will note, father exploited me for cheap labor throughout my teens as my interest/experience with BSD, and eventually GNU/Linux increased =). Although I am a GNU person these days, FreeBSD is always close to my heart, and helped me understand the +nix ecosystem from an early age.

[ChuckNorris89]

Just out of curiosity, how did your dad exploit you for cheap labor with BSD?

I mean I also did a lot of chores around the house and was the responsible IT repair guy of the house but I thought that's a pretty good deal for being housed, fed and clothed for 20 years.

[montenegrohugo]

I think it was meant more in a tongue in cheek manner. Obviously his dad gave him IT related tasks over the years, but I think both enjoyed it and I imagine it oftentimes was a learning experience for both of them.

I think generally kids can benefit and grow a lot from being treated and talked to like responsible adults sometimes, and not as if they were useless small people that have to be constantly supervised.

[atomize]

Perhaps 'exploit' wasn't the best choice of words :-D. He just had me install OSs/upgrade boxes from time to time after it was clear that I enjoyed it. It was win/win really.

[ahmedalsudani]

That is a great story, and you have a cool dad!