solus-project / os-installer

Solus Installer

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Split/install non-free software

andrewhq opened this issue · comments

Add an option to split free/non-free software to allow installer to dynamically install the non-free bits like codecs.

To elaborate:

  • By default the Solus ISO contains distributable, non-free software.
  • Freedom is two-fold: The freedom of the code and project, as well as the freedom to decide whether to use free or non-free.
  • The installer will therefore have a tickbox to install the non-free bits (additional firmware, "bad" "ugly" codecs, etc.)
  • The relevant packages in Solus will be modified to continue to support existing installations through upgrade with no breakage, but modified to remove any hard dependencies, enabling a more Libre ISO.

To investigate (notes to self):

  • Is it "enough" to have these in a separate part of the ISO, or does this still constitute distribution?
  • If they have to be provided by the repos, then this is impossible. The firmware contains necessary bits for networking and GPUs.
  • Should the ISO itself be configured to live boot with these enabled or disabled? Again the distribution question.
  • We're rolling release - installing anything over the internet would also have to include an upgrade, making the target installation non-quantifiable. It becomes a complete unknown if it will "work".
  • If firmware enables networking - net install is a non starter entirely.
  • If netinstall is a potential route: We must then snapshot the relevant additional bits into a release dependent repository and install from there, as upgrading should not be permitted during this step.
  • Alternatively, do a full upgrade and install extra bits.
  • Most importantly: Go seek information from those who know these things

The relevant packages in Solus will be modified to continue to support existing installations through upgrade with no breakage, but modified to remove any hard dependencies, enabling a more Libre ISO.

Which ones?

The ones that aren't libre, obviously