[Fsf-friends] Free Software CD's (Clean Distributions) and learning to reason

[Ramanraj K]

Manilal wrote:
> I think we should think in this direction. 
> But the main problem who will provide the funds ?


We heavy rely upon the commercial distributions for installing the 
kernel, shells, cron, gcc, KDE, GNOME and the basic directories and 
scripts that we collectively call the system.  Knoppix, that is released 
under the GPL, does a decent job of installing these.  However, the only 
issue with Knoppix is that it uses *.deb files to install applications, 
ie. precompiled software. Ideally, we should compile the other 
applications we use regularly, from source.  This way, we can quickly 
update with patches, make customizations, make contributions, uninstall 
old versions and install new releases with ease.  The clean and easy 
installation and distribution method should be preferred.  

The source code in tar or bzip files may be expanded in  /usr/local/src 
into their respective directories.  A  simple script like the one given 
below, can make and install from the sources:

#!/usr/bin/bash
echo "installing apache, php and postgresql ..."
cd apache_1.3.20
./configure --prefix=/usr/local/apache
cd ../php-4.3.2
./configure --with-apache=../apache_1.3.20 --enable-inline-optimization
make
make install
cd ../apache_1.3.20
./configure --prefix=/usr/local/apache --activate-module=src/modules/php4/libphp4.a
make
make install
cd ../postgresql-7.3.2 
./configure
gmake
gmake install 
# installation complete.
# start servers ...
# /usr/local/apache/bin/apachectl start
# read and follow the INSTALL directions for each  
exit                 
  

As you see, it does not require lots of funds to write and use a simple 
script like this.  Further, this is also desirable, because, for an 
application like php, one may add more arguments to the configure line, 
if appropriate.  The most important thing we can learn from Free 
Software, is the importance of reasoning for one's self, without 
shifting this burden to others. Constant reference and use of source 
code is a must to understand how and why the code  works.  *rpm and *deb 
do not encourage reasoning.  Seeking source files, and compiling from 
them, is the right way to stay in control.  Once all users understand 
how to install and use applications directly from the sources, would 
they seek a commercial package?