[rokytnji]

I saw so many replies yesterday. I kinda ignored this thread figuring Valtam had plenty of feedback.
Reading the title I figured it was just about what Browser Linux-Lite would ship with next which
does not effect me.

After reading from back of thread to the front. I like your idea Valtam in your original post in the beginning of this thread.
Puppy Linux does the same on some of it's releases/puplets also. It is a good system.

Code:

If someone has a computer too old to use one of those methods, they should buy some new floppy disks and reinstall Windows 3.1.

??? Alrighty then. Coming from a guy that can run Linux on a 128MB partition with a browser and full desktop environment
on a SD card to IDE adapter on something maybe older than you. But off topic from this thread>>>>Guilty, ME! 

I try and keep/support  CD sized Linux releases. Slitaz, MX-14, AntiX, just to name a few. I can add Linux-lite to that list now.
It is a wonderment to see.

Just my 2 pesos.

[gold_finger]

While the number of people still using hardware that can only boot from CD is small and dwindling, I agree with rokytnji, it is definitely nice to have some distros to point people to that actually fit on a CD -- especially distros that are not so bare-bones like Puppy and (to lesser extent) AntiX.  LL and MX-14 are two nice distros that most newcomers will enjoy and be able to use relatively easily.

Having said that, I do understand that it is getting harder and harder to keep the size so minimal without sacrificing the inclusion of key packages.  So, it appears that the time has come for future releases of LL to be DVD sized.  On the plus side, we need to keep in mind that LL 2.0 is not disappearing any time soon.  It will continue to exist and be supported with updates through April, 2019.  So there will still be a CD version available for quite some time; it just won't be the latest version of LL, which really isn't that big of a deal.

I do still feel pretty strongly that it would be a mistake to not have a full-blown browser available during the live environment testing.  Don't think it will be of any concern to experienced users who know that they can just install a full browser to the live environment.  Main concern is for target audience - newcomers from Windows -- who will not know that and thus judge the entire distro based on a limited, scaled-down browser.

If "Lite Browser" is only one available during testing, one possible way to eliminate possible negative reactions would be to have it open to a custom home page (/usr/share/docs/browser-home-page.html) that explains immediately that:

1. Users will be presented with options after installation to choose one or more browsers to install as their main browser -- so they get only what they want vs. something chosen for them.
   
2. Lite Browser is not meant to be the "main" browser, just a failsafe for basic internet access and reading the Help Manual.
   
3. On Lite Browser home page, provide clickable links:
   • [li]One that will activate a script to install Firefox to the live environment, so they can easily test a full browser if they want to.
     
   • One to Help Manual
     
   • One to LL Home page
     
   • One to Help Forums
     
   • One or more to various search engines
     
   [/li]

[newtusmaximus]

If space is at a premium vis CD, and top notch browser is preferred as default, i.e user first  experience, why include Libre Office Suit on the  Live CD. Assuming that is a space gobbler. A "lighter" wordpro could be used?

Again, a live CD gives maximum application, A great Kernel gives maximum chance of first time working on hardware/peripherals. It is no good having a great browser if the user can't get the video card , sound or wifi to work seamlessly.  That is what put me off linux years ago - too much to do to get up and running, too much trial and error and too little time.  MINT was too resource hungry and hence slow. Thankfully  I fell into Puppy without too much hassle.  However Puppy, although lightening fast and a set up dream,  to expand functionality for work became limiting  due to the need for PETS/SFS  etc .

Fortunately I eventually came across LL in a business article!! and the live CD worked straight out of the box, printer etc.  The rest as they say is history - a firm base from which to gradually learn matters Penguin.

Hence LL provides IMHO an invaluable entry point to the  "Dark Side" successfully optimising speed vs content for resource limited pcs.

Long may it continue but please do not forget its roots/mission and become too "heavy"

Most modern tablets are pretty low resource systems with the aim of extending battery life, and apart from  the wonder of touch screens, are not much more powerful than a lot of PCS of the early 2000s. Lesson there somewhere?

[Wirezfree]

Hi,

I have been re-reading some of the comments, and also taking a step back.

Thinking out loud, my thought's....
If LL is aimed at new users & XP migrants then maybe a simple message on the LL Website

Along the lines of...
================================================
New Users it is "recommended" to start with LL 2.0,
that is going to be supported till 2019, and may suffice your needs.

Once you are comfortable, then the option will exist to move on to a new 2.X
The 2.X's updates can then provide "new features" if you want/require them.
================================================

If new users go straight to a 2.X release it may be off putting/challenging
if they are presented with choice/options they did not see on a "Live Boot"..??
Change can be difficult, but change after change even harder.

Regarding 2.X it'self,
There is a lot of great input, I guess taking a practical/pragmatic view
What can the Dev's deliver that won't detract them from adding LL features vs
the effort required to create special post install routines & choices that are only
used once during install..??
A browser choice is a good & logical thing to do, but keep it simple.

Just my thoughts...

Dave

[Monkeyman]

Code:

If someone has a computer too old to use one of those methods, they should buy some new floppy disks and reinstall Windows 3.1.

??? Alrighty then. Coming from a guy that can run Linux on a 128MB partition with a browser and full desktop environment
on a SD card to IDE adapter on something maybe older than you. But off topic from this thread>>>>Guilty, ME! 

That was meant as humor.  I rarely think to add emoticons.

[robert]

My thoughts.
Definitely require a browser on live.  Like has been stated I use the live as a test to see if all works okay pre install.
As a brand new Linux user I would be comfortable with having the choice to install software on installation, Browser,office etc.
Giving the new user the choice during install gives a sense of control and also that the distributor cares about the user.

The mini browser sounds a great idea as it saves going online if you just want to read the manual for info.

Thanks for a great OS.

[valtam]

Update: Firstly, thank you for all of your feedback.

CD vs DVD
Linux Lite 2.2 will be released DVD sized. I reached this conclusion in favour of offering people more essential software, for example a time and date app, a new mouse theme that will allow for on the fly cursor size changes etc. As people have already pointed out, there are still many free operating systems that still fit on CD, including most Linux Lite releases so any concerns for example over the environment means we are far from running out of options for saving older hardware.

Browser
Linux Lite has had Firefox since day 1. Moving to Chrome would occur based on either 1 or both of the following criteria.
1) Chrome has significant market browser share.
2) The majority of the top linux distros all move to Chrome.

What we are trying to do here is retain familiarity whilst remaining flexible and open to change in the future. Offering both browsers could be confusing, think of it like offering 2 CD/DVD programs. Misko's Choose default browser application needs to be added to LL, that will occur once we have somewhere for it to be integrated, like a future tweak app. Lite Browser is no longer required.

Linux Lite 2.2 focus
The focus now on LL 2.2 is seeing what software we can add that is essential eg. a date and time app.
There is a new thread here - https://mityer.khdlhfjijfrupr.tk/forums/index.php?topic=1112 and I invite you all to contribute ideas so that we can start getting 2.2 ready for release.

Thank you

[Wirezfree]

Update: Firstly, thank you for all of your feedback.

Browser
Linux Lite has had Firefox since day 1. Moving to Chrome would occur based on either 1 or both of the following criteria.
1) Chrome has significant market browser share.
2) The majority of the top linux distros all move to Chrome.
Thank you

Hi Valtam,

This gives a pretty good idea on Browser usage/poularity
http://gs.statcounter.com/

An after thought.
Could you run a Forum Poll to see what people think the default out of box installed browser should be.?

Dave

[Alex]

I am quite happy with LL 2.0 will it still be supported or do we all have to change to 2.2? If we do have to change can it be done through the "install updates" option? If not, does it mean we have to do a complete re-install and so somehow copy our home folder onto a flash drive?

Thanks

alex

[rokytnji]

I am quite happy with LL 2.0 will it still be supported or do we all have to change to 2.2? If we do have to change can it be done through the "install updates" option? If not, does it mean we have to do a complete re-install and so somehow copy our home folder onto a flash drive?

Thanks

alex

Don't sweat it Alex. Just keep running LL2.0 and keep updating and upgrading. No need to sweat LL2.2 at all.
You are not missing anything. Just my opinion.