https://bugzilla.novell.com/show_bug.cgi?id=332186

Summary: network optimized upgrade of the system Product: openSUSE 10.3 Version: Final Platform: i586 OS/Version: Other Status: NEW Severity: Enhancement Priority: P5 - None Component: Installation AssignedTo: bnc-team-screening@forge.provo.novell.com ReportedBy: bluedzins@wp.pl QAContact: jsrain@novell.com Found By: ---

From today experience of upgrading 10.2 to 10.3 from KDE CD I can only say it

is too fragile to try it again. Too much time is wasted for displaying (when user is not looking at computer) network errors. Not mentioning it could be total network failure and then what user is supposed to do.

Conclusions: user cannot work, a lot of time wasted, bad experience.

It seems that only downloading full DVD would solve such problems. But not entirely. But what about such approach.

One small CD installer as a kickstart disc -- user downloads it, and burns it.

One install manager _program_ -- user downloads it and runs it. This IM would run in current system, user would select what kind of upgrade she/he wants, what packages to add extra, etc etc. Note that at this point system is fully running (something you cannot get with current installer) -- video card, network cards, etc. User clicks ok and downloading begins -- upgrade packages, updates, release notes, firmware, drivers, etc.

NOW -- this is crucial. It is just another program in the system downloading stuff. User can still view www pages, write document in OOffice, simply put -- she/he can work!

After downloading is finished, user burn DVD/CD(s) of downloaded software.

And finally then she/he reboots, inserts kickstart disc, normal installer runs, but all packages are now copied from the burned disc! So there is no weak point in whole upgrade.

What do you think? A bit elaborate process, but risk-free, and for upgrade (note, this not for INSTALL!) it could work like a charm. Very fast and safely.