Hey Gary,

Thanks for all the advice, it's appreciated. In the vein of what you said I introduced myself to a whole new unknown in the form of Linux yesterday. Hopefully it's all part of some greater knowledge that will allow me to do some cool stuff later. I'm not exactly looking for specific answers in my CPS classes-- its all critically important stuff anyway. This specific interest grew out of me wanting to do some cool stuff that I can benefit from now, rather than waiting for my knowledge to mature over the next several years. I think it will be a worthwile pursuit.

- John