Ok, don't groan too loudly, but I would like to propose that we form a small team and build yet another linux distro... Please read on before dismissing the idea entirely:
When one looks at the "Linux Disto Timeline"
(see:
http://content.zdnet.com/2346-12554_22-66818.html)
you will no doubt say "there are a tangled mess of distros already. Why bother." Actually, there are six main "lines" of Linux with most distros being a derivative thereof. (Think Debian to Ubuntu here...)
I propose there should be a seventh line. Not just another "flavor" of a concept which is already out there.
The distro I envision would be built from scratch and not based off of any derrivative. It would be built with simplicity in mind AND it would only include KDE apps over and above the core linux files.
Keeping it simple and adhereing to KDE's design structure should provide an excellent development environment for KDE developers to build KDE apps.
It would be a purely KDE distro for KDE purists.
I think KDE is sufficently developed where this can now become a reality. KDE already lists what files are "required," "reccommended" and "Optional." All we have to do is build a small and efficient core system, then build source packages of tarballs (or other compressed format) of all the required pacakages, all the reccomended packages and the optional packages.
From there it should even be possible to build smaller packages of each one of the larger KDE files. For example you could pull all of the packages out of "kde-multimedia" and offer them individually giving the user the true choice in exactly which packages he wants on his system.
I think "Adept" looks like it could handle this functionality.
Beyond KDE developers and purist enthusiasts, what groups do you envision might benefit from such a beautifully simple distro?
I can see where a small business firm might really jump at such a secure and stable distro...
All right, so that is my idea. I welcome your constructive feedback, and if you would like to join in such an effort you can email me at:
mshelby1@gmail.com
Kindest regards,
Mark W. Shelby