Comment Packages are nice, but..... (Score 4) 231
Packages are nice, but really, if we want to see Linux make it in the Real World (TM) we need to advance to the 21st century and recognize that we must have a simple and easy means of installing new software. I propose that we follow Apple's lead in this area and move to Self Extracting Executables, ELF binaries that you run and will extract the software and install it for you, without the hassle of remembering arcane flags and what program you're supposed to use.
Just look at it! The author of the article makes a very good point. How many of you really look over a binary before you install it? Do you just rpm a package and then run it? What do you have to lose from running this random binary? No more than if you downloaded the rpm and ran the binaries contained therein.
What we as the Open Source community need to do is create a standard install tool, like what windows programmers have with the install shield software. The software could be customised, and could be written to reconize the directory structure, and install the files in the correct locations, maybe through the use of certain files that would be kept in a standard location, like /opt/local/lib/install/.
So, whaddya think? Think we can get something whipped together? Even just a proof of concept done in a combination of perl and python? We certainly don't want to make the mistake OS/2 made and not at least keep up with what windows has had for years.
-ssd
Just look at it! The author of the article makes a very good point. How many of you really look over a binary before you install it? Do you just rpm a package and then run it? What do you have to lose from running this random binary? No more than if you downloaded the rpm and ran the binaries contained therein.
What we as the Open Source community need to do is create a standard install tool, like what windows programmers have with the install shield software. The software could be customised, and could be written to reconize the directory structure, and install the files in the correct locations, maybe through the use of certain files that would be kept in a standard location, like
So, whaddya think? Think we can get something whipped together? Even just a proof of concept done in a combination of perl and python? We certainly don't want to make the mistake OS/2 made and not at least keep up with what windows has had for years.
-ssd
