New Programs for Hardy?

[Kevin Fries]

On Thu, 2007-12-13 at 03:51 -0500, Michael R. Head wrote:
> On Thu, 2007-12-13 at 02:36 -0600, Conrad Knauer wrote:
> > So let's use that as a dividing line; let's keep the 32-bit x86 disks
> > as CDs, BUT... let's switch the 64-bit disks to DVDs.
> 
> It's not uncommon for some servers to come with just a CD ROM drive (I
> manage a Dell PowerEdge running 64-bit dapper in such a configuration).
> 
> For example, in its base configuration, the Dell SC440 is still being
> sold with a 48X CD-ROM Drive. These are just the machines on which
> users may wish to install Ubuntu's amd64 architecture.

I have been ordering servers more and more without CD Rom drives.  I
deal with a lot of managed systems, and have opted for moving the
install over to a flash stick.

One idea that Debian has had for years, that I am surprised that Ubuntu
did not follow -- especially with servers -- was the idea of the minimal
install CD ( < 50MB to fit on a mini-cd or flash stick) that was little
more than a debootstrap install.  Then everything was obtainable from
the repositories.

While I realize that could get ugly for the noobs that Ubuntu goes after
if followed exactly... but what about a derivation off of it.  Instead
of leaving just a command line system, it installed a core system, then
rebooted, upon first boot, it asked which U/K/X-buntu version you
wanted, then retrieved that from the Apt repositories.  Now CD capacity
is unimportant.

Of course, this only helps in places where broadband internet
connectivity is available.

-- 
Kevin Fries
Senior Linux Engineer
Computer and Communications Technology, Inc
A Division of Japan Communications Inc.