Topic: Thought about installation / ease of use

[Duncan]

I realise that the main objective in developing e-smith is to make it easy to use and install while still providing good features, however this limits the ability to customise the system. There are some features which you have been reluctant to add because it would make the system too complex, for example, a compiler and a the ability to configure a complete DNS server.

Perhaps you could adopt a Windows style installation routine, where you can select Typical / Complete / Custom installation options. This would enable you to include some more advanced features, but a beginner user could easily select the Typical installation, and continue on as normal.

Not really something for the wish list, just something to think about.

[Scott Smith]

I think this would be somewhat out of sync with the "appliance" model e-smith is trying to achieve. An appliance is plugged in and turned on, typically with very little fiddling with and adjusting of "settings".

Not that your idea is without merit, only that it does not fit the appliance model. On the other hand, the current e-smith solution is but one type of appliance. Maybe another route to consider is eventually expanding beyond a single appliance. We have a server and gateway appliance. Why not a developer appliance? Or an ISP appliance? Or even a desktop appliance? Each appliance could be made simple to install, configure, and maintain, be well-suited to its assigned role, and be considered a great performer in its own right. But at the same time each appliance would be unsuited for one of the other appliance's roles. Would this not work? Would the lack of all features in single appliance be a problem? After all, when was the last time you washed you laundry in the refrigerator?

Just thinking...