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TWIMC: aka cpg et al.
I started this suggestion a couple of weeks ago. Since then I've learned a little, but this is still needs of the noob - especially if you're new to Linux like myself.
First off, thanks to all for the hard work. I hope these thoughts and observations help. This may be a book...
My Background:
Several computers and laptops in the house. Lots of work related files and lots of personal media files. Need a safe, reliable, centralized system for organization and redundant storage of all this stuff. By redundant I mean in the server itself using a raid, not a copy of all the various machines especially for media. Also will be eventually investing in archival rated DVD media for backing up the contents of the raid. Don't want to spend anything on this right now - experimental - have surplus hw kicking around.
Server Hardware:
ASUS p4p800 w/ gigabit nic, 3.2G proc, 1.5 gigs dual channel memory, 3ware 4 port ide raid (raid 5) w 4x250gig drives, 2 120gig sata drives, 1x DVD burner.
System Concept:
raid for all data, one 120 gig drive for system and second 120 gig for system image(s) or temp files.
Computer Experience:
years of dos and windows for home use. never set up a server before, and am a linux newbie. Learned everything by trial and error, and some reading...
On to the install...:
Linux partitioning for the noob is still a little (ok, very) intimidating. Too many opinions. Too many options. Basic windows installs don't expose the average+ soho user to similar options although I am aware they exist to some degree.
Bottom line is I want to install the system correctly from the start, and just my luck I've read a ton of partitioning guides that in some cases conflict with the partition example in the Amahi install guide. Location of the various mount points is an example where this conflicts, although some guides suggest linux doesn't really care about the mount point location. Great.... To whom should the noob listen? The fact that the page 6 example in the guide doesn't match the install steps on 7-13 added to my noob confusion. So in the end I pushed ahead, seat of the pants, and kept my fingers crossed. I selected a custom drive configuration, upsized the various mount points, set the drive configuration to mount my raid 5 as var/hda/files formatted as XFS cause I read somewhere that would speed throughput. What do I know?... Once the install completed, it took quite some time to find something that would confirm the raid was in fact the location of my media files. A single icon that says filesystem doesn't give you much info.
So here's a suggestion:
Two basic installation approaches, well documented.
The first would be for those who just want to try it, and don't have much if any Linux experience. So go with defaults and let it rip to test the apps and functionality. Assume a single drive install. Provide enough information up front so that the noob knows there is flexibility and information to add a drive(s) at some future point, and make it the default mount point for their media files.
This approach may (I say "may" cause I really don't know) also lend itself well to re-installation of a more robust system without having to reload media files if one adds media drives to a one-drive install.
The second would allow maximum flexibility for hda apps, desktop apps, and network security. If this means oversized partitions, who cares, hard drives are cheap. If you're building a server, how (and why) will you do it without a fair bit of hard drive capacity? So assume at least one system drive and two additional drives for data storage. Specify that the user should have some minimum system drive size and will blindly follow explicit steps for partitioning the drives. If their drives are larger than the assumed size make the last partition of the system drive "sized to fill."
How do I help?:
This is a lot of work. Since I'm the one suggesting it, I'd be willing to pitch in. Let me know what you think of these ideas and how I can help. If it's the wiki as cpg suggested for my uShare/PS3 experience, great. I will throw stuff in fairly quickly so someone may have to clean up after me and if that's good, it's all good.
Thanks Again,
Swanee.
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Has it been successful so far? a MacBook, an HP WinXP Laptop, a WinXP and an Ubuntu desktop and a PS3 have all accessed an saved content to the HDA.
So, it would be good if you provided a little feedback on this. Do you like the 2 types of installation formats? The idea is to get the system up and running without nagging questions about making the right installation choices. Next we can tackle the apps, network issues, vpn etc. Perhaps ignorance is bliss, but if you're reading this, chances are you - like me - have made a choice, and you want it to work right from the start.
Please let me know.