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| -rw-r--r-- | community.mdwn | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | community/weblogs/ArneBab/niches_for_the_hurd.mdwn | 54 |
2 files changed, 39 insertions, 17 deletions
diff --git a/community.mdwn b/community.mdwn index 68d2c3d1..19e158c4 100644 --- a/community.mdwn +++ b/community.mdwn @@ -46,8 +46,6 @@ Further ways of getting in contact or getting information: * [[HurdBr]] - Hurd Br is a brasilian, portuguese speaking, HUG * [HurdEs](http://hurd.es.gnu.org/) * [Hurdfr.org](http://www.hurdfr.org/) -* [HurdIn] * [HurdIt](http://hurd-it.sf.net/) -* [HurdPl](http://hurd.pl/forum/) * [HurdUk](http://uwhug.org.uk/) * [HurdUs](http://hurd.gnufans.org/) diff --git a/community/weblogs/ArneBab/niches_for_the_hurd.mdwn b/community/weblogs/ArneBab/niches_for_the_hurd.mdwn index ecfcc4c8..e8dec5a2 100644 --- a/community/weblogs/ArneBab/niches_for_the_hurd.mdwn +++ b/community/weblogs/ArneBab/niches_for_the_hurd.mdwn @@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ the Hurd offers advantages: - The possibility to create more efficient and powerful desktop environments - Having a _complete_ GNU System - All-in-one out-of-the-box distro running a webserver for crash-proof operation. - +- Debian: Allowing users to install stuff which affects only them. #### Target groups and strong environments @@ -107,6 +107,19 @@ http://sourceforge.net/mailarchive/message.php?msg_name=20080909073154.GB821%40a monologue at the end... I really should put these ideas into my blog.)"* +#### Debian: Allowing users to install stuff which affects only them. + +This can be done in two ways: + +- changeroot + unionfs (which is also possible in Linux) +- a translator on / or /bin set by root which selects a different filesystem view based on which user accesses it. + +Both solutions might need a special translator on the package database which makes +sure that dpkg of each user is aware of the changes root does. + +> [15:20] <antrik> as I said, I'm not sure what is the better solution. both have advantages +> [15:22] <ArneBab> antrik: But regardless of what is teh better solution: This is a damn nice niche! + #### Nice features @@ -143,7 +156,7 @@ aren't possible. * elegantly mount iso images and similar as unprivileged user. - Other useful stuff: - * Install deb-packages from an ftp server via 'dpkg -iO ftp://foo/bar/*.deb' + * Install deb-packages from an ftp server via 'dpkg -iO ftp://foo/bar/*.deb' (needs transparent ftp bound to 'ftp:'). - Having a complete GNU System (but not yet on every hardware, and only about half the software Debian offers has been ported). @@ -155,6 +168,19 @@ aren't possible. - Tinkering for fun - need documentation about the fun things which can be done. +- A more powerful alternative to FUSE filesystems: While FUSE is limited to standard +filesystem semantics, while Hurd translators can implement whatever they +want. +It is possible to change the behaviour in any aspect, including the way +file name lookup works. Admittedly the only specific use case I know is +the possibility to implement namespace-based translator selection with a +set of normal translators, without any changes to the Hurd itself. +It is also possible to extend the filesystem interfaces, adding new RPCs +and options as needed. This allows using the filesystem for +communication, yet implementing domain-specific interfaces where +standard filesystems are too unefficient or cumbersome. A sound server +would be one possible use case. + ### Need a few months of coding - A filesystem-based package manager. @@ -175,22 +201,20 @@ between computers). Maybe this should be placed in "need a lot of coding". you (translators written in scripting laguages can make this easier - they could also for example be taken to each computer on USB stick). -- A more powerful alternative to FUSE filesystems: While FUSE is limited to standard -filesystem semantics, while Hurd translators can implement whatever they -want. -It is possible to change the behaviour in any aspect, including the way -file name lookup works. Admittedly the only specific use case I know is -the possibility to implement namespace-based translator selection with a -set of normal translators, without any changes to the Hurd itself. -It is also possible to extend the filesystem interfaces, adding new RPCs -and options as needed. This allows using the filesystem for -communication, yet implementing domain-specific interfaces where -standard filesystems are too unefficient or cumbersome. A sound server -would be one possible use case. - - Namespace based translator selection (if you for example want to quickly check the contents of an iso image, just look at them via 'ls image.iso,,iso9660fs'). +- Debian: Allowing users to install stuff which affects only them. + +- smbfs: we'd need a servermux and sharemux there as well, in order to be able to cd +/smb://host/share/dir + +- provide devices to userspace with some restrictions, i.e. provide a specialized +device so user translators can access it. The providing translator can set +restrictions on values which can be passed so safe but almost arbitrary device access +would be possible. + + ### Need a lot of coding or fundamental changes - Effective resource management (For example via Viengoos on which Neal Walfield is |