Tell me more ×
Unix & Linux Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for users of Linux, FreeBSD and other Un*x-like operating systems.. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

Background

I am very interested in openwrt, I like that it's open source and gives you complete, granular control over your router.

I'm going to use my router for a home network (with a nas, htpc and desktop), so the functionality I'm looking for is pretty basic. I'm leaning towards openwrt (instead of ddwrt) because I've read that the code of ddwrt is rather messy compared to openwrt.

Problem

However, seeing the information online leads me to believe that it is not very easy to get started with, and that part of its use takes place on the command line. I am not a linux user (am going to be soon though), so I don't have a lot of experience with the command line.

I love to learn new things, and am willing to expend some effort to get everything working, but am I biting off more than I can chew with openwrt as a novice?

Question

So my question is; is openwrt difficult to learn as a novice? Will it take a lot of time? Can anyone with experience in this area give me some feedback?

share|improve this question
2  
There is no way to answer your question objectively. Some people will be immediately comfortable with it, some never will be. The only way to know for sure for you is simply to try it out. – Mat Jul 1 '12 at 10:15
@Mat, yeah I guess it is a rather subjective question. It's just that I'm a little anxious about bricking my router because of any lack in vim/command-line experience. I guess I'm looking for what people have experienced themselves when using openwrt, so I have some grounds for comparison. – Samuel Jul 1 '12 at 10:17
I'm sorry but this isn't the right place to gather opinions/experiences/war stories. SE sites are for Q&As with practical, objective answers. If you're that uncomfortable with a command line, run Linux in a VM and get used to that first. – Mat Jul 1 '12 at 10:24
@Mat, if you say so. I've looked far and wide to find some information on this, and would suspect that any answers to this question would benefit more people, even though the answer might be a tad subjective (not all useful information is clearcut and objective you know). But if you feel otherwise, feel free to flag this question for deletion. I guess I was just hoping for some expert feedback on the learning curve for openwrt, which in my opinion benefits more people than just myself. – Samuel Jul 1 '12 at 10:32

closed as not constructive by Mat, Chris Down, Ulrich Dangel, mattdm♦ Jul 1 '12 at 16:01

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.