[SDL] Installation of binary apps on linux

[matt]

Gerry JJ wrote:
> On Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:54:49 +0100, Simon Roby <simon.roby at gmail.com>  
> wrote:
>   
>> Why have an installation procedure *at all* anyway?? What's wrong with
>> suppling a plain directory in a tarball/zip/whatever and run it
>> entirely from that directory?
>>     
>
> User-friendliness.  A tarball needs to be manually extracted, and doesn't
> install any links, icons or menu entries.  In Gnome, double-clicking a
> wrapper script (usually needed to handle included libraries and such)
> doesn't just run the file even if it has the execute bit set, it asks if
> you want to execute or view the file.  Also, if you want to install a
> game system-wide as opposed to just in your home, it's more complex if
> you've only got a tarball.  Tech-savvy people will of course be able to
> do this easily, but you've got people like my mom and sister using Linux
> these days.  These people also play games.
>
>   
i suppose that is why there are a lot of linux distro's with their own 
package management.  i don't have a menu when i run apps, i usually type 
in the run box on xfce4, then they stay in the recent drop down list.   
osx doesnt have a menu either, users drag what they want to the dock or 
desktop. (still using osx.3)

i see where you are coming from with that it can be difficult for non 
tech people to install applications; that is probably a long difficult 
debate as each distro attempts to solve some part of it.  i usually 
avoid installing anything not part of my distro as it can become tedious.

does your application compile to a single binary ?   what else is 
included with it if not?

matt

>> Or do we need to copy all Windows concepts, mechanically and without
>> reasoning? This is a serious question.
>>     
>
> No, we should of course not copy anything without any reasoning.  I just
> want the process of installing games to be easy and intuitive for
> everyone.  I'm all ears if you've got better suggestions.
>
> I'm not saying tarballs is a bad idea, by the way.  Like zips in Windows,
> some games might be better distributed that way than with an installer.
>
> ~ Gerry
>
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