People of openSUSE: Christos Bountalis

Please introduce yourself!

I am Christos, i am 25 years old and I live in Salamis a small island near Athens, Greece. I just finished my studies for a Bsc in computer Science. I enjoy music, programming, playing games, and of course going out with friends.

Tell us about the background to your computer use.

The first time i used a computer was many years ago, when i was about 6 years old, so I am occupied with computers about 19 years now. Yes, time passes so quickly….

When and why did you start using openSUSE/SUSE Linux?

My first Linux distribution was SUSE Linux 6.3. Many years ago, i still remember the nice package with the cds the manuals etc inside. Since then i have used many Linux distro, trying to find the one that suits me best, I have finally found it the last year in openSUSE. When did you join the openSUSE community and what made you do that?

About three months ago, I joined the openSUSE community. The main reason, that made me do that is that i have found many nice and interesting people inside this community, that are more than eager not only to help on matters concerning Linux and openSUSE, but are also fun to discuss in general.

In what way do you participate in the openSUSE project?

Currently i am working on a Google Summer of Code project for the openSUSE organization.

What especially motivates you to participate in the openSUSE project?

The way openSUSE project is structured and the people occupied with it, make me wanna be also a member of it.

Tell us about your GSoC project?

My GsoC project aims to bring a new merging utility for the configuration/sysconfig files currently used by the distribution. You can find many information about the project and the project till this moment on my blog.

When do you usually spend time on the openSUSE project?

At the moment all of my time goes on my GsoC project for openSUSE.

Three words to describe openSUSE? Or make up a proper slogan!

Freedom, Fun, Friends

What do you think is missing or underrated in the distribution or the project?

The only thing that comes to my mind, is that many people doesn’t actually know many features of the project, so better promotion i would say.

What do you think the future holds for the openSUSE project? And your future at the project?

I can only see openSUSE project becoming even better in the future, as for my future I hope I will be able to help

A person asks you why he/she should choose openSUSE instead of other distribution/OS. What would be your arguments to convince him/her to pick up openSUSE?

I would just say that openSUSE have it all, innovation and stability!

Which members of the openSUSE community have you met in person?

Most members of the Greek openSUSE community.

How many icons are currently on your desktop?

49

What is the application you can’t live without? And why?

Terminal. I love the command line….

Which application or feature should be invented as soon as possible?

Typing simply by thinking. Hmm, did i get to far? :p

Which is your preferred text editor? And why?

Gedit, it is simple and offers the necessary features i need for quick coding.

Which famous person would you want to join the openSUSE community?

Hmm, tough question, i want all people famous or not to join the community. Does that count for an answer? :D

Which computer related skills would you like to have?

3D designing & modeling

The Internet crashes for a whole week, how would you feel, what would you do?

I guess reading and listening to music would make me get over the worst week ever.

Which is your favorite movie scene?

Lord of the Rings the battle between Gandalf and the Balrog!!!

Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Trek

What is your favorite food and drink?

Espresso coffee and donuts :p

Favorite game or console (in your childhood and nowadays)?

Diablo and Command & Conquer, nowadays I prefer mmorpg like Lineage II

Which city would you like to visit?

New York

What is your preferred way to spend your vacation?

Depends on the time of the year that vacations take place.

Image you would win the GSoC! What would you do? Would you stay with openSUSE?

Well I am about to continue my studies towards obtaining a master degree in Artificial Intelligence, so if i would win i would use the money for my expenses. I will stay in openSUSE anyway, my stickers with gecko in all my computers can guarantee it.

If traveling through time was possible. When would we be most likely to meet you?

In 60s-70s-80s best music ever!

There’s a thunderstorm outside, do you turn off your computer?

No!

Have your ever missed an appointment because you forgot about it while sitting at your computer?

I have never missed an appointment, but i have been late for that reason…

Show us a picture of something, you have always wanted to share!

I can’t think anything now…

You couldn’t live without…

My computer and possibly an internet connection

Which question was the hardest to answer?

The hardest question was “What do you think is missing or underrated in the distribution or the project?” because i really don’t think that something is missing.