Re: Gentoo installer project

[email protected] wrote:
> I like the document, thx for this.
> For the different architecture, I can test it on ppc on a regular basis.

This is good. The more people on different archs, the more initial 
testing, the more stability, the more happy users.

> About server/desktop distinction, I think the default (suggested) packages
> installed does matter.

Right. It should be (in my opinion) manual package selection by default. 
This is what our (current) users seem to expect, myself included. 
Working primarily with servers, having to choose from groups of packages 
that, no doubt, will contain stuff I don't want in each one is 
problematic and time consuming.

> But before this distinction, I'd like your input about the global direction of
> the installer :
> 
> - should it be minimalist : partitioning, network, install X if desktop
>   oriented, and reboot. At first boot, have configuration tools + software
>   manager (to install stuff)  displayed. This is what I'd prefer, because there
>   is no duplication, and you could call the config step after install.

Minimalist, partitioning, network - absolutely. As for X, I *guess* so 
but again I'm inclined to say give them manual package selection. Since 
dependencies will be autoresolved, the user doesn't have to jump through 
hoops - they just select X. It's the same as giving them a predefined 
set of packages in that with one click, they get X and everything 
required. Same for desktop environment and / or window manager. Again, 
this is all in the interest of a simplified and common environment for 
both server and desktop.

As for rebooting and when, I think the long it can be delayed, the 
better as rebooting (to me) signifies nearing or the end of installation 
and makes me wait for something else. Of course, compiling makes me 
wait, but rebooting is more mentally indicative of being finished.

As for configuration, we can use self destruct tools. Prior to reboot, 
place a configuration controller script in /etc/runlevels/default that 
leads the user through final config (for desktop only - remember that 
server has its unattended post flight config) and when finished, simply 
removes the link, leaving the control script itself, if desired.

> - should it be complete : partitioning, network, different installation groups,
>   full config (net, users, security, server packages, printing, sound, ...)

Of course. The goal is for the user to have to do as little manual post 
flight work but without bloating the pants off of the installer.

> I think it's interesting to think about that now

Yes. These are all design decisions and should be worked out prior to 
"the effort."

Thanks for the comments.
-- 
Eric Sammer
Gentoo Linux
http://www.gentoo.org

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