Installing a compiler by default

[Alexander Jacob Tsykin]

On Saturday 10 June 2006 01:08, Rocco Stanzione wrote:
> But a computer is, and should be, a lot more versatile than a screwdriver.
> The number of things a computer can do in theory is practically infinite,
> and only with a compiler can you make a computer do absolutely anything a
> computer can do.  Obviously most of our users aren't going to be using a
> compiler to unlock the vast potential of their machines, but the power to
> do so is one of the most important differences between an open source
> operating system and, say, Windows, even if it's just a philosophical
> difference to most users.
>
To most users, it is not a difference to which they pay attention, and why the 
debate? If you are one for those users, than build-essential is available to 
you. None of the arguments I've heard so far explain why a person who know 
what they are doing can't just install it from the cd in the absence of an 
internet connection, so why include it by default? Also, ultimately, Ubuntu 
fulfills most needs, so why is a compiler necessary by default? As long as it 
is easily obtainable, which it is, there should be no problem.

Sasha