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Zero Install: The Future of Linux on the Desktop?
SiegeX writes "Zero Install ,which is apart of the ROX desktop environment is not just a new packaging system, it's a whole new way of thinking; a way that I believe is exactly what Linux needs to become a serious contender for Joe User's desktop. Zero Install uses an NFS to both run *and* install apps from. The apps are all self-contained in their own directory; binaries, docs, source code and all. Once the app has been downloaded its kept in a cache from that point on to minimize delay. The beauty becomes apparent when Zero Install is combined with ROX which runs the application by just clicking on the directory it was installed to. Deleting the application along with all the other misc files is as simple as removing the directory it's contained in. This method of partitioning applications in their own directories also allows installing multiple versions of any application trivial. This is something even the greatest of technophobes could understand and use with ease."
Someone should really point this out to Steve. I think using this type on installation on Macs would increase useability by leaps and bounds.
Karma: SELECT `karma` FROM `users` WHERE `userid`=138474;
It has been implemented in OS X. This is what happens when you drag a .app file (really, a folder. try to cd into one sometime) and copy it to any point on your hard disk (typically /Applications).
Reminds me of an old joke...
Microsoft: Where do you want to go today?
Linux: Where do you want to go tomorrow?
BSD (in this case, OS X): Are you guys coming or what?!?
Yeah.. Everything is stored in Program Files. Except when things are put into C:\Windows\System32. Or the Registery.
/. is a bunch of nerds at a million typewriters. It's not a political conspiracy determined to undermine your beliefs.