Re: [gentoo-desktop-research] Gentoo installer project

[Scott Koch]

>That's why I wrote my orig reply in this thread. I think we should enhance the
>installation process instead of replacing it. We should allow the user to
>tell the installer what to do, skip/repeat/reorder steps and have access to
>the 'real' console all the time where the installer runs its commands and the
>user can run his as well.
>
>I agree that if the installer becomes an all-or-nothing replacement, many
>people won't find it useful or enjoyable.
>
>Also, with a good modular design we can add piece by piece what we think to be
>necessary, and in the other places the installer would just tell the user
>things out of the install howto or not even that. That way we avoid overdoing
>it - writing things our audience doesn't really need.
>
>
>
This is the style of installer that would be the best match for 
Gentoo(quoted above).  I think it would be a big mistake to stray far 
from the current process.  As far as I am concerned the console/ 
split-screen installer is a must.  Our main concern should be getting 
the user comfortable with the current install process, instead of 
changing the installer to better fit the user.  The new installer needs 
consist of various add-ons (to the current process) to make the user 
more comfortable ("Holding their hand and walking them through") with 
the install process.  This can be done various ways, the most popular is 
ofcourse gui's.  However, in staying with the Gentoo way of doing things 
nothing should be hidden.  Everything that is done whether on the 
console, via a gui, or we automate it for them, it should be explained 
exactly what is going on.  It should be up to the user wether they use 
the gue or cli. 

I also feel that it is crucial that we keep in mind while going through 
this process that no matter what Gentoo is actually about,  the 
installer will be the deciding factor in whether people give gentoo a 
try or move on to something else.



--
gentoo-desktop-research@g.o mailing list