Re: [Opencd-devel] Open Source CD

[Alex R. <tun...@pa...>]

> I know we're trying to keep the CD targeted at the "average" computer user,
> therefore compilers and whatnot may not be appropriate, however I like this
> idea of "HOWTO" documentation that can help people become more familiar with
> using their computer and open source software.
> 
> jaaron

Agreed, certainly we don't want something that's heavy with compilers,
interpreters, and other geekishness. However, a couple items like XBasic
and Visual Tcl might be good starters. After all, how many of us learned
to program with GW and Qbasic from the old DOS installs? Microsoft
doesn't include ANY programming languages with the new distros...

On the other hand, I've just read the whole Slashdot discussion of this
idea, and I'm fairly well sold on the thought that the CD needs to be a
"best of breed" kind of thing with one really useful program of each
type and an easy install - perhaps the 15-20 best Open Source programs
out there.

I think that to really take off it should be something that bridges the
gap between a box with Windows only, and a mature box with lots of
apps... Imagine that you've just installed Windows and you have only
that basic setup. You put the OSS CD in and ten minutes later you have
an office suite, a browser, mail client, file sharing software, a really
good graphics program, a couple of programming languages, an MP3 player,
etc. The icons are all on your desktop and you're ready to go. No long
downloads, no trips to Staples - you're done.

There might also be a "custom" install, or some kind of menu that would
allow the user to select/deselect additional apps which are stable and
useful, but go beyond the basics.

Just my .02.


Alex