Re: [gentoo-user] Re: about the 2007.1

[Neil Bothwick]

On Thu, 8 Nov 2007 02:24:49 +0000 (UTC), James wrote:

> All you have said presupposes one (erroneous) assumption: that is an
> easy to use graphical install cannot be used if the distro is source
> code based. Nothing could be further from the truth. An easy to use
> graphical installation, should only be for getting the HD prepared,
> kernel installed and a minimum number of software packages installed.
> Then the customizing could continue as is normal via the handbook.

At which point the new user is diving into the handbook partway though,
missing important information from the first part. There is no point in
using graphical installer if users still need to drop to the command
line to administer the system, and if you want an all graphical
installation and administration environment, use YaST.

> A nice graphical installation process would help the distro grow and
> gain presence in more places, which is always a good thing.

Don't confuse quantity and quality. Simpler installation and
administration of a number of machines, not necessarily identical, would
do more for the take up of Gentoo in areas where it could really benefit.

> Distros survive, regardless of being free or for sell, because they
> attract a large user base.  Gentoo needs an easy to use, graphical
> installation CD, period.

All that would do is increase the number of disaffected users. You need
to read the documentation and use the command line to use Gentoo
effectively, hiding that behind a pretty pointy-clicky installer until
the system is installed and then hitting the user with the truth can leave
them feeling conned. What is wrong with being honest about the situation
and telling people up front "if you are not prepared for some reading and
typing, Gentoo is not for you".

The Gentoo Installer Project has some good goals, but attracting people
for whom Gentoo is not the right choice should not be one of them.


-- 
Neil Bothwick

THE BORG: Calm, Cool and Collective...