[SDL] Installation of binary apps on linux... off topic

[Gerry JJ]

On Mon, 04 Dec 2006 22:55:03 +0100, matt <mattmatteh at earthlink.net> wrote:
> why like M$?   i dont have a problem with the way gnu/linux apps
> install.   (gentoo)

WI was just an example, I didn't say we have to clone it.  The important
part is having a standard way of installing non-standard stuff.  That way
distros can install things the way they want to (and add to a database for
easy, integrated uninstallation and maybe even configuration and patching),
while developers still have control over what the installer does, install
options, cd keys, and so on.

Also, that *you* don't have a problem with the way things work doesn't
really change the fact that installing binary-only non-distro apps in
Linux is a mess, both for the developer and the end user.  The problems
start even before you run the installer.  Downloading a makeself file
might show the entire file in the browser window if the server isn't
configured correctly (since it looks like text), and even when you do get
to save it it's not saved with execute permissions.

> osx apps install nicely, just drag it to the applications folder.

Linux would need an applications folder for that to work..

~ Gerry