[indiana-discuss] 3.1) Installation

[Glynn Foster]

Hey,

Given that we now have a relatively solid base to start discussion, I figured it
would be good to focus in on some of these points, ironing out specific detail,
and technical implementation of what is and isn't possible right now.

This is just a first mail to kick off the discussion at a somewhat higher level
than I'd like, but it would be good to hear from the folks closer to the ground
on this one - there's obviously missing issues that we need to discuss, and I'm
anxious to get those surfaced as soon as possible.

Glynn Foster wrote:
>         INS-1: Provide infrastructure to install Indiana from
>                a single CD. The default install should be a
>                graphical experience, with a text console install
>                if preferred. The core install will be a basic
>                operating system and desktop environment.


Install
=======
The Caiman guys are currently working on a small subset of their original
architecture which looks like it may well suit initial needs.

  Currently targeting x86 only, and doesn't look like SPARC boot support
  is written. I have no idea on the scope of the work needed to provide
  this, but obviously has direct impact on the concern that Alan brought
  up

  The ARC case mentions it only works for a DVD only - Niall mentioned that
  it was likely that it doesn't work across multiple disks which, if keeping
  to a single CD, won't be an issue.

  The architecture is hopefully modular enough to only need to ship the
  install engine and new GUI work, and not have to ship the general
  installer. While this gives us a significant advantage of not having
  to couple a Java runtime )and consequently less media space required),
  it potentially constrains us in the flexibility of the install
  functionality.

  A LiveCD 'try first, install later' isn't currently on the feature list
  for dwarf, so another question is whether we need to punt this until
  the install guys have had a chance to work on the rest of their
  infrastructure. Is there anything that we can benefit from the LiveMedia
  or BeleniX projects? As John already commented, is mixing the LiveCD
  functionality with the core install CD a requirement? Perhaps not.

  [insert missing detail]


Media Contents
==============
If we limit it to a single CD install, it puts off a lot of questions about what
to include in terms of media contents.

  We need to get a rough idea of file sizes for the various
  consolidations as they currently stand. Assuming it should easily
  be possible to do a core kernel install, basic utilities and a desktop
  environment how much space does that currently consume?

  Will adding compression support give us more space? If we have
  more space to play with, do we provide more choice to our
  users? Does this have an impact on the install experience from
  a speed point of view that our users aren't willing to compromise
  over? Will ordering the bits on the media better bring us above
  that acceptable threshold?
	
  If space becomes an issue, is binary compatibility out of the
  box a requirement? Is it possible or wise to punt some of this
  to the network?

  What is the default package list? Does it include man pages,
  basic documentation? Does it include developer headers or
  tools? Do we need to compromise on duplication of functionality
  and prevent choice?

  [insert missing detail]


Tasks
=====
 o Install
     - Investigate what the current architecture and functionality of
       dwarf caiman in terms of limitations, size and configurability

     - Do some evaluation on what the LiveMedia project provides

 o Media Contents
     - Investigate the current size requirements for various consolidations
       assuming a single CD and ability to install a core operating system
       and desktop environment. Divide up that investigation by removing
       non-essential developers headers, tools and duplicate functionality.

     - Investigate how much more space with compression vs the performance
       impact on the install speed

     - Based on the above, come up with an initial package list as a target
       to work towards


Glynn