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Idea #142: Optional add-on CDs (not advertised heavily, but still available)

Written by aysiu the 28 Feb 08 at 18:53. Category: Others. Related project: Nothing/Others. Status: New
Rationale
Not everyone has a broadband internet connection or any internet connection on Ubuntu. Sometimes they can download in Windows or get friends to burn CDs for them, but they don't have a direct connection to the repositories in Ubuntu. If Ubuntu is Linux for Human Beings, there should be a recognition of the lack of broadband internet in many places.

Yes, too many download options can confuse new users, but you don't have to advertise these add-on CDs. You just have to have them available somewhere. People will find them if they need them.

The DVDs contain Main and Restricted repositories, but not everyone has access to a DVD burner, and a lot of popular packages are in Universe. It's true a lot of popular packages are also in Multiverse, too, but I'm not sure if there are legal issues involved with distributing those on a CD.
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118
votes
up equal down
Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #142
Written by aysiu the 28 Feb 08 at 18:53.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #142 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

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Attachments
spec Blueprint extra-cds: Ubuntu
forum Ubuntuforums.org thread #409973


Duplicates


Comments
aysiu (Brainstorm moderator) wrote on the 28 Feb 08 at 19:06
Could people explain why they're voting this down? Seriously. I'm not seeing what the downsides are.

MighMoS wrote on the 28 Feb 08 at 20:36
If this were implemented, I'd like to see all "optional" componenets included -- things not in Main, but improve its functionality.

Het Irv wrote on the 28 Feb 08 at 20:39
If these these things would include packages like: build-essential
Restricted Drivers (wireless at least)

I don't like how you have to have an internet connection to download the wireless restricted driver, in which case you need the wireless to work so that you can access the internet to download the Restricted....well you see where this is going.

aysiu (Brainstorm moderator) wrote on the 29 Feb 08 at 05:00
It sounds as if people like the idea and are just not sure about the implementation. I'm still not hearing why people keep voting this down...?

Personally, I don't need the add-on CDs (as I have a high-speed internet connection), but this idea is to benefit those who do not have high-speed internet connections.

Het Irv wrote on the 29 Feb 08 at 16:31
If you need any help with this PM on UbuntuFourms (same name) I will help in any way I can, not that I know much.

aysiu (Brainstorm moderator) wrote on the 29 Feb 08 at 20:38
Thanks, Het Irv, but the only help I need here is someone explaining what's so bad about the idea.

cheesehead (Brainstorm moderator) wrote on the 1 Mar 08 at 11:45
Synaptic already has a feature for offline access to packages via removable media.
File -> Generate Package Download Script

aysiu (Brainstorm moderator) wrote on the 2 Mar 08 at 17:21
What good is Synaptic's download script if you have no internet connection in your Ubuntu installation?

betrunkenaffe wrote on the 25 Jan 10 at 19:40
Would also be nice for anyone who does have a broadband connection so they can make cds of repos for those who don't. Don't advertise with the "Get Ubuntu" area or have it linked near bottom with "Get additional repository CDs here" and then explain their purpose and lack of need for those with fast connections.

tntricker wrote on the 27 Jan 10 at 04:05
I'm kind of torn on the idea, other disro's do have cd sets that do this but on the other hand when you can order a free dvd from the web site... I don't really see the point.


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