Tiny Core Linux
Tiny Core Base => TCB Talk => Topic started by: bassbum on October 31, 2010, 01:04:46 AM
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I don't mind having to learn about how to edit files, but I'm a new user and its a bit confusing. I would like to see a GUI installer for installing to a HD be implemented at some point for this distro.
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There are 2 types of users.
1. Those with a fairly good understanding of Linux, or at least a good enough understanding to figure things out. Most of these people don't see any need to make things easier. They can do what they need to do.
2. New users with little understanding, still trying to learn some of the basics. They would like to see things made easier.
To install Tiny Core using the standard method, you need a broadband internet connection, and during the installation process you need to download certain extensions.
This does not work for those with wireless internet connections, as they need to install Tiny Core before they can connect to the internet. Quite a lot of people use wireless internet connections.
To make it easy, an ISO could be made containing Tiny Core, and all of the extensions which may be used by those installing it in different situations.
A script could then be made, where the user is prompted to answer a number of questions, and the installation process automated.
A GUI interface could then be added.
The installation script / interface could be an extension, and experienced users would not need to use it.
This ISO could be in addition to what is already existing, not replacing what is already existing.
I have raised this issue before, and the team did not see a need for it.
Anyone can make a contribution. If someone wants to make a script for installation, go ahead. It could be made into an extension.
To those new users, still learning the basics: I encourage you to persevere. It is actually quite simple once you get it. Read the information on the web site, and ask specific questions about things you don't understand. There are a lot of helpful people here.
If enough people say it should be made easier, the team may reconsider.
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A GUI installer might be made into an extension, so it does not need to be part of base. It could be made by anybody, not only a team member. (eg I could make it if I had enough time which unfortunately I don't at this juncture.) So if a newbie wanted to do an install, the control panel could have an install button, and the first question would be a choice of standard or GUI installation. If GUI is chosen, this extension could be downloaded, loaded and it would use a wizard for installation.
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There are 2 types of users.
1. Those with a fairly good understanding of Linux, or at least a good enough understanding to figure things out. Most of these people don't see any need to make things easier. They can do what they need to do.
2. New users with little understanding, still trying to learn some of the basics. They would like to see things made easier.
To install Tiny Core using the standard method, you need a broadband internet connection, and during the installation process you need to download certain extensions.
This does not work for those with wireless internet connections, as they need to install Tiny Core before they can connect to the internet. Quite a lot of people use wireless internet connections.
To make it easy, an ISO could be made containing Tiny Core, and all of the extensions which may be used by those installing it in different situations.
A script could then be made, where the user is prompted to answer a number of questions, and the installation process automated.
A GUI interface could then be added.
The installation script / interface could be an extension, and experienced users would not need to use it.
This ISO could be in addition to what is already existing, not replacing what is already existing.
I have raised this issue before, and the team did not see a need for it.
Anyone can make a contribution. If someone wants to make a script for installation, go ahead. It could be made into an extension.
To those new users, still learning the basics: I encourage you to persevere. It is actually quite simple once you get it. Read the information on the web site, and ask specific questions about things you don't understand. There are a lot of helpful people here.
If enough people say it should be made easier, the team may reconsider.
I agree, this is something that other distros addressed and it has done wonders for their growth/user base. I don't mind being challenged, but they should think about the people who are newer users that want a light distro. This would be perfect for anyone.
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I don't mind having to learn about how to edit files, but I'm a new user and its a bit confusing. I would like to see a GUI installer for installing to a HD be implemented at some point for this distro.
It's not GUI, but it's as simple as I could make it. The current version is here:
http://pctsc.ponderworthy.org/tc-installer/tc.setup.sh (http://pctsc.ponderworthy.org/tc-installer/tc.setup.sh)
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Why a GUI installer does not make sense included in the base ISO:
1. By default the entire base ISO is loaded into ram.
2. "Installing" should only be a one time event.
Therefore it wastes ram and bloats the ISO for a single event.
Tiny Core does not necessarily need its own disk partition. Tiny Core lives peacefully embedded with any other Linux distribution. A simple copy of tinycore.gz and bzImage into a directory, adjust whatever boot loader one happens to be using to boot from this directory and you are up and running. No partitioning install. Pretty easy. Once up, AppsBrowser and tce-setdrive will setup your persistent TCE directory and backup location.
Tiny Core does offer a "whole disk" "install" via the currently named usbinstall script that is offered in the base also see control panel. Use the ext2 option. Caution the entire hard disk will be wiped clean to setup the couple of directories that Tiny Core uses.
When you think about the necessary tools for a GUI installer and all the permutations that needs to be addressed for a one time event, it would probably suggest a separate bootable CD with all such programs and libraries, think GPARTED live CD?
So, if you are running Linux, it is easy to "embed" Tiny Core.
If have a and old computer that you don't mind to wipe the whole disk then use usbinstall or this quick and easy install script: http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php?topic=7570.0
If you are running Windows and want an easy no partitioning "embedded" install, check out:
http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php?topic=7120.0
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jonathanbrickman0000
I have had a quick look, but not run it.
It is good that someone is working on this. Keep it up.
I think, as it is so far, it does not have any advantages over the existing Usb Install.
I think it would be good to offer the user more choices.
For example, the option to set up more than one partition. I suggest, having the option to run GParted so the user can set up partitions. Then after GParted has run, continuing on with the install process.
If partitions are already set up how the user likes them, have the option to installing to an existing partition, without changing partitions.
You don't need to start too complicated, but for ideas, look at the choices offered when installing other Linux distros.
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Since whole disk installation was an after thought to the original target pendrive and after much pondering, I am going forward with a GUI 'Wizard-like' front end to my existing usbinstall script.
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I am nearing the completion of this revisit. Look for it starting with v3.6.
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@bassbum: ezremaster (http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/index.php?topic=6645.0) is not properly an installer, but it is graphical :P
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I have revisited usbinstall and made a GUI front end. Ready for testing starting with 3.6rc1.
* New tc-install.sh replaces usbinstall - added frugal install to partition with formatting options.
* New tc-install Fltk GUI front end to tc-install.sh callable from cpanel.
* Updated cpanel change to tc-install for HD/USB Install.