[Date Prev][Date Next] [Thread Prev][Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]

Re: Reason to NOT install from online repositories

Stan Hoeppner wrote:

On 10/15/2012 10:41 AM, Richard Owlett wrote:

Recently someone was chided for attempting installation from a CD.

Not all of us have convenient access to a high speed internet connection.

I can have limited access to "high" speed access by carrying one of my
laptops to the local library. I don't find downloading more than a
live-CD feasible due to bandwidth limits they set to provide maximum
usage for maximum number of users.

Even the live-CD doesn't give me a functioning system as it does not
include a dialer for an analog modem. I solved _*MY*_ problem by
purchasing the 8 DVD set of install disks.


You must be using a totally free dialup service for daily internet
access.  In many/most US locales dial is as expensive, if not more
expensive, than aDSL or cable, though I'm not familiar with the
providers and plans in Springfield.  You mention "carrying" your laptop
to the local library, not "driving".  Can we assume you're walking to
the library, live  in the city limits, not on a farm or other rural
location outside of Springfield?
It's paid service and is less than the teaser rates quoted by either ATT or the locale cable outfit. To even get the "teaser rate" from either source I'd have to bundle in a bunch of unwanted services. Effectively, the last time I did a head to head comparison, I was saving more than $40 a month. Besides this way way I can drive a couple of miles and see the *owner* of my ISP. I get very good customer service. Besides any DSL only became available in this area of the city a few years ago. I'm literally on the "wrong side of the tracks". This area was built up ~110-120 years ago for laborers in the local rail yard. Though well within the city limits, I'm not within walking distance of a library. 



How far are you from the MSU campus?  If it's not a prohibitive
distance, it might be worth explaining your situation to someone in the
MSU telecommunications department and see if you can get a guest access
account.  Then stop by every couple of weeks to download your Debian and
other updates, and anything "big" you need, etc.  I'd assume there won't
be any bandwidth limits.
Depending on which route, I might drive past MSU on way to library. But though I don't doubt it meets ADA requirements, I'd not consider that campus to be handicapped friendly. Once I get my system(s) set up the way I want, using the library will likely be adequate. 




Also, it's possible they might be running a local non-public Debian
mirror in the Engineering or Computer Science departments.  (Many
universities and colleges host private mirrors of popular open source
software repos to conserve bandwidth on their public pipe)  If so you
might get permission to pull directly from such mirrors.

Just some suggestions from a fellow Missourian, though a couple hundred
miles to the North.
Know of any Linux groups within driving distance of Springfield? ICON, a local computer group, has a very small Linux SIG. That's all I'm aware of.
Reply to: