Bug 178342 – Livecd 2007 sugestions for networkless installs

• Product: Gentoo Release Media
• Status: RESOLVED WONTFIX

[Description Nelson 2007-05-13 14:05:41 UTC]

Before I start complaining let me just say gentoo keeps getting better ;).

But I had a problem using this livecd on networkless installs. The installer seems to have critical bugs, and the option of doing a manual networkless install isn't there. 

Not that this is a problem for me, but not including the "standard" handbook and a stage3 might confuse new users (that haven't seen the online handbook and think they're the same) to think this is the (only) recommended way of installing (still buggy and not so educational), and those that know the alternative have to burn one more cd for the stage3+handbook.

-How about merging the handbooks, and putting installer specifics in the appendix?

-Why not removing the gnome-games,evolution,epiphany and open-office and include the stage3+handbook? You could have two livecd's: one specialized for installations,  and another without the install stuff and therefore with more space for other packages. Just the first one would do.

Cheers

[Comment 1 Andrew Gaffney (RETIRED) 2007-05-13 22:52:41 UTC]

Basically, the answer is no. There are 2 completely different versions of the handbook: one for networked installs and one for networkless. The networked is always updated and available on www.gentoo.org, and the networkless is versioned (for each release) and distributed with the release media.

The networkless media is distributed for users' convenience, but it is not at all necessary to install Gentoo. We switched to the LiveCD/installer method because it was easier for *us* to build and test than the old universal/GRP method. Since we don't get paid for this, we do what is easier for us :)

As for removing Gnome, OOo, etc., that's not feasible, either. That is the new GRP. The installer uses the files installed on the LiveCD to create the new installation.

[Comment 2 Nelson 2007-05-13 23:29:18 UTC]

Ok, those are good points. In that case how about changing the name of the handbook of the cd to something like "gentoo installer handbook", and adding a big fat recommendation to new users to try the "manual installation" at least once?

The console installer advises to read the handbook, but since the two have the same name, like I said:

"might confuse new users (that haven't seen the online handbook and
think they're the same) to think this is the (only) recommended way of
installing (still bit buggy and not so educational)"

(Don't forget most users browse and try things in a hurry :S)

Cheers

[Comment 3 Chris Gianelloni (RETIRED) 2007-05-16 18:47:59 UTC]

We aren't interested in holding user's hands that are incapable of reading.  Also, this was WONTFIX.  I really don't know where people get the idea that by reopening a WONTFIX bug we will suddenly change our minds.  We won't.  Marking as WONTFIX.

[Comment 4 Nelson 2007-05-16 19:57:01 UTC]

(In reply to comment #3)
> I really don't know where people get the idea that by
> reopening a WONTFIX bug we will suddenly change our minds.  We won't.  Marking
> as WONTFIX.
> 

Read my post again, you wouldn't be changing your minds, I reopened with a suggestion completely different. I wasn't sure you received my reply if it was closed.

> We aren't interested in holding user's hands that are incapable of reading. 

Sorry? I'm talking about the problem of having two different documents with the same name, leading to many new users not trying out the usual handbook.