4 ms·

To me P2P is the obvious answer to the (especially free) software distribution problem. Sign the binaries, and let the users help you. You can even run Opentrac

To me P2P is the obvious answer to the (especially free) software distribution problem. Sign the binaries, and let the users help you. You can even run Opentracker [1] on a cheap server for more independence. Ubuntu is doing this. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opentracker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opentracker

sdalfakj 11y ago
P2P is a very difficult option for any non-geek who wants to install ("just do it") the software.
- nly 11y ago
  Opera browser used to have transparent BitTorrent built in to its 4MB binary (along with IRC, Newsgroups, email...). I miss the old, innovative Opera. Oh well, maybe we will learn one day when someone like Microsoft/Google shoves some kind of proprietary semi-peer-to-peer protocol in to IE/Chrome and runs all the tracking out of their respective cloud.
- userbinator 11y ago
  "very difficult"? Has the definition of "non-geek" changed in the last decade? I know many people who had absolutely no trouble downloading various things - including software - from all the P2P networks that flourished around 10 years ago. Not only torrents, but eMule, Kazaa, Limewire, etc. They also happened to easily infect themselves with various malware by doing that, but I'd consider it more evidence of how "non-geek" they were. (But all in all, despite the risks, I definitely prefer and miss that era of open filesharing compared to the closed proprietary walled gardens that have replaced it.)
morganvachon 11y ago
For me personally the best solution is to run an open source operating system like GNU/Linux or *BSD, and use that operating system's package manager or else build from source. But I'm aware that doesn't work for everyone, since most people (especially Joe User) are using either Windows or Mac OS. For Windows, Ninite covers a decent range of basic freeware and open source software, and Chocolatey covers a lot more but is less user-friendly. For Macs (and I shouldn't have to tell anyone here about this) there is the excellent Homebrew project. Back to the Windows arena, maybe Microsoft's new package management system will be a boon for power users and those seeking good freeware for their computer without having to worry about tagalong malware.

sdalfakj 11y ago

P2P is a very difficult option for any non-geek who wants to install ("just do it") the software.

nly 11y ago
Opera browser used to have transparent BitTorrent built in to its 4MB binary (along with IRC, Newsgroups, email...). I miss the old, innovative Opera. Oh well, maybe we will learn one day when someone like Microsoft/Google shoves some kind of proprietary semi-peer-to-peer protocol in to IE/Chrome and runs all the tracking out of their respective cloud.
userbinator 11y ago
"very difficult"? Has the definition of "non-geek" changed in the last decade? I know many people who had absolutely no trouble downloading various things - including software - from all the P2P networks that flourished around 10 years ago. Not only torrents, but eMule, Kazaa, Limewire, etc. They also happened to easily infect themselves with various malware by doing that, but I'd consider it more evidence of how "non-geek" they were. (But all in all, despite the risks, I definitely prefer and miss that era of open filesharing compared to the closed proprietary walled gardens that have replaced it.)

morganvachon 11y ago

For me personally the best solution is to run an open source operating system like GNU/Linux or *BSD, and use that operating system's package manager or else build from source. But I'm aware that doesn't work for everyone, since most people (especially Joe User) are using either Windows or Mac OS. For Windows, Ninite covers a decent range of basic freeware and open source software, and Chocolatey covers a lot more but is less user-friendly. For Macs (and I shouldn't have to tell anyone here about this) there is the excellent Homebrew project. Back to the Windows arena, maybe Microsoft's new package management system will be a boon for power users and those seeking good freeware for their computer without having to worry about tagalong malware.