Hi All; Just did some changes in my ~/.* ( dot files ) and started wondering why Linux uses dot files for its 'user' data. Its a small annoyance to have to specify .* each time I use them. The annoyance is primarily not because it's difficult but because it is odd -- different from anything else and data files get mixed (kinda) with my working documents. Why not just have a standard additional directory for 'config', or whatever name, to hold all the user application type data. Is the reason historical or is there a pragmatic purpose? I am not a complete newbie. After 2 1/2 years of using Linux I am kind of a 'gubie' or 'newru'. (Newbie on the way to becoming a guru). So if you have an explanation that involves more than newbie baby talk, I can handle it. -- Regards Bill