Chris wrote:

> I do like the look of the SuSE installer, with the navigation menu on the
> right hand side.  I'd imagine that something similar could be done using
> the graphical installer.  Maybe OpenSolaris could have a menu tree like
> so...

Yes, I like SuSE too--it's clean without omitting important stuff.

>  * install type (new, flash, upgrade?)
>     * flash source (if any)
>  * install source
>  * package selection
>    * cluster selection
>      * individual package selection
>  * disk selection
>    * manual partition/filesystem layout

Ideally, there would be a default path through the install that would
obviate the need for many of these, but they'd show up with the
right choices. E.g., cluster selection should in most cases make
individual package selection hide, and choosing a ZFS root (when we're
there) should make the manual partition options go away.

> 
> 
> A couple of other ideas I'd throw in.
> 
> 1. More, friendlier, meta-clusters.  Keep the existing cluster config if
> needed, but give the option of a few new ones for different
> configurations.  Solaris 10 did make some headway with a couple of new
> ones (can't remember what they were called).  Or, provide detailed
> explanations of the benefits of each cluster.
> 

Good points here...I think that a useful minimal cluster that includes
the ability to easily pull down new packages and dependencies would be
great, in large part because it could make installation go quicker and
help users get the latest & greatest packages they need.

> 2. Better graphics would be great.  I don't think we need to scrap Java,
> as much as we just need some really good artists to make things nicer.
> 




-- 

Eric J. Ray
Software Engineering Manager
Solaris Install
Sun Microsystems
303-223-7843 (direct)/x81067
eric.ray at sun.com


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