Request for Comments: updating RPMs using binary deltas

[Jef Spaleta]

Lamar Owen wrote:
> Available can mean the install media; it could mean a few GB of space on the 
> user's HD (if they chose to install a local repository of the RPMs that they 
> installed (which would have to be updated as new RPMs are installed, or be a 
> full copy one)).  It could mean a download of the original off the update 
> server if the user just simply cannot find the original RPM, in which case 
> the advantage is negated.  They should learn to keep the CD or other local 
> repository around anyway to be able to roll back errant updates.

Whoa!!!!! are you saying that you actually expect people to KEEP the
install media around or to KEEP a local repository ondisk. Feel free to
come in to #fedora on irc, and try to TEACH users the lessons you want
them to LEARN. User don't LEARN, if you really think keeping a locally
cached repo or iso images on hand is needed, the distribution is going
to have to ENFORCE that idea on users....and somehow i just don't see a
lot of users being happy about having to have 3 Core
isos + ALL the possible future packages from Extras and Alternatives
hanging around eating up local disk space just to install tiny updates
that may or may not ever materialize. People don't necessarily keep full
install media knocking around..you can't tell them its a good idea, but
they arent going to do it without some arm twisting. People are as
likely to 'borrow' someone's set of install media as they are to get
their friend to burn them a copy. 


-jef"I'll learn 'em, I'll learn 'em good"spaleta