[TriLUG] RH 7.2 installer suggestions

[Mark Pilgrim]

I have no opinion about package selection, but I did spend some more
time this weekend thinking about the UI problems when installing a dual
boot machine.  I wrote up a summary, with illustrated suggestions, on
my weblog:
  http://diveintomark.weblogger.com/2001/11/05

Short summary for those too lazy to click:
- Goal-oriented, not task-oriented.  I mentioned this in a previous
message.
- Autodetect existing installations of non-Linux systems, then tailor
the phrasing of questions to the user.  If you're installing on a
system with a Windows installation, two partitions, and no free space,
ask them "Would you like to install Linux on your D drive?"  No mention
of partitions; they're scary, and they don't fit the Windows user's
mental model of their computer.
- Drop LILO as an option for those without an existing bootloader.
- Autodetect and integrate with existing bootloaders.  If I already
have a bootloader, assume I don't want to change it, so just integrate
the new install into my existing bootloader menu.  I know this is hard,
so start with GRUB and LILO and branch out.

-Mark



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