[openbeos] Re: patch for vim on haiku

On 2005-03-27 at 16:42:26 [-0500], Axel Dörfler wrote:
> Michael Phipps <mphipps1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > For a ***DOWNLOAD*** base, I think that the fewer applications, the better. 
> > For 
> > something on CD, I think that we should install the same as the downloaded 
> > base. I would challenge people - count the number of apps from a base 
> > install 
> > of R5, Max, Zeta, etc). Then count how many you use regularly. Then count 
> > how 
> > many apps you downloaded and use regularly. 
> 
> I wouldn't that call the base installation then, but a barebone installation 
> :-)
> We're already pretty small a download, so I don't think this really matters a 
> lot (the only big thing to add is Firefox).

I agree that it is pretty barebones. I think that it is a good option. Remember 
our original (or, at least, my original) idea to provide a distro for distro 
makers? That's what I am talking about here. The smallest reasonably useable 
Haiku install. The OS, some small number of the POSIX tools and a web browser 
(to enable people to get more apps). 

We could certainly do some other distro that has more stuff, if we wanted. But 
making a minimal install available means that people who don't want/need that 
stuff don't have to wait to download it.

> I think a well balanced distro would need to include these things (although I 
> would like to replace telnet/ftp with ssh). We also need to be aware that 
> Haiku is not a "dumb user" OS; if you install it, you're already way beyond a 
> standard Windows user. Focussing on the wrong needs could make a bad first 
> impression.

For R1, I agree that our focus shouldn't be the average user. I honestly 
believe that we should aim for something that an average person should be able 
to use for R2. Honestly, that's what I am in this for. The "OS X" concept 
(although we were doing it when OS X wasn't even a gleam in Steve Job's 
pocketbook) - an ultra powerful OS that is usable by non computer people. OS X 
and R5 vindicate that it can be done. :-)

> That's where I think BeOS R5 does quite a good job: it provides the right 
> tools for most of us.
> If Haiku is getting more interest, and only if, we should start to address 
> the shift in its user base.

R5 provides a whole lot more than what you need. People don't necessarily 
notice, but there is a whole ton of stuff in there that isn't necessary. I 
would like to weed through that and get rid of as much stuff as possible. Flex 
and Bison are prime examples. *ANYONE* who needs those *KNOWS* how to get them.
 
> Have you forgotten about R5 Personal Edition? Even with Firefox on the table 
> it would be still an acceptable download.

No, I didn't forget it. :-D 

> Also, I don't think there is a huge difference (in convenience) between 
> downloading 40 MB and 80 MB. The one between 4 MB and 15 MB is much larger 
> IMO.

I think that I understand you here - you go out to dinner with a 40 meg or an 
80 meg d/l and when you get back, it is done. :-)

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