Dai wrote: > Compiling is not good enough. Linux is still in the dark ages. One > thing > you have to give windows credit for is, the ability to just grab a > program and just install it. I'd like Linux to have the same sort of > capability in Linux, not just one distro but, all distro's. Linux > always > talks about freedom but, it's freedom for developers not users. User > freedom is usually restricted in some way. One way being the > repository > for example LTS Ubuntu try getting the newer version of programs > back > ported it doesn't happen. That's just one example there are many > more.
One of the glories of Linux is the range of choices. That includes choices in distros. With so many choices, we have to deal with differences as well: differences in what libraries are included, what kernel version is running, how packages are managed, how the desktop environment works, and much more. This means one-size-fits-all installations don't work very well, which is why there aren't many programs packaged this way for Linux. Making something that works for all of them is unrealistic. I doubt many real Linux users (not just dabblers) would want to sacrifice our freedom of choice for the sake of universal installers. Yet this is what would have to happen. Many distros have large repositories with packages that are extremely easy to install. Compiling a program that is not in the repo is often very easy. It's a small price to pay for the freedom of using a distro and a desktop environment that suits your needs and preferences--especially given the price (ZERO) of most applications. Plus, why not learn something? It's good for mind and soul! --Judy M. USA Registered Linux User #397786 Being productive with VectorLinux 6.0 Standard, Deluxe Edition
