Secondary CD/DVD Image Downloading

[Bumpy Light <engineer@bumpylight.com>]

  This is a repost. I just noticed that the original poster asked that it be
mirrored to both groups. Since I'm working on it again, I'll add details. It
is to be hoped a moderator can delete the earlier, less-complete posting.

  First, phrasing it in that way sounds hostile with which to begin. This may
explain in part the lack of responses. The words "hoarding" and "unnecessary"
are hostile words.

  Second, there are those of us who are paranoid about net difficulties, or
about allowing automated updates. One thinks of *cough* Windows *cough*. It
may be unfair, but there it is. The urge for control and backup is deep.

  Third, when there is nothing at all, not even a simple text file, to explain
clearly which need to be downloaded and which *don't* need to be downloaded, a
person may feel the need to cautiously download all of them, just in case they
are needed. Not providing such details at the point of download violates basic
rules for giving instructions.

  I suggest this, for example:

  [BEGIN BLOCK]

    URL: http://ftp.ticklers.org/debian-cd/4.0_r4/i386/bt-dvd/

    filename: explanation.text

    actual enclosed text:

      The following instructions apply to downloading the binary distribution of
      Debian 4.0r4.

      If you are new to Debian, do download this file and allow the torrent to finish:

        debian-40r4-i386-DVD-1.iso.torrent

      Only download these files and allow their torrents to finish if you wish to
      have a complete set of all Debian files on DVD. They are not needed, if you
      plan to allow an installation from the first DVD to automatically find, and
      download, any further necessary files from the Internet:

        debian-40r4-i386-DVD-2.iso.torrent
        debian-40r4-i386-DVD-3.iso.torrent

      Only download this file and allow the torrent to finish if you have already
      downloaded an earlier version of Debian 4.0 and wish to have an updated DVD
      which will bring the older set of DVD diskettes up to date:

        debian-update-4.0r4-i386-DVD-1.iso.torrent

      (Please note that if you do not have an earlier version of Debian 4.0, then
      the above DVD will be useless to you. Also if you have already downloaded a
      full or partial set of Debian 4.0r4, meaning at least DVD 1, then you won't
      need the special update DVD diskette).

      The above instructions assume you are using a properly configured BitTorrent
      client.

    [END BLOCK]


  This was a quick and dirty post. Edit the text as needed for style and clarity, and
for CD-R or other media.