[tex-live] So far.....expensive failure

[simon at getthingsfixed.co.uk]

Robin etc,

On Thursday 14 February 2013 07:44:18 Robin Fairbairns wrote:
> <mas at mylug.org> wrote:
> > > On 14/02/13 2:07 PM, C.M. Connelly wrote:
> > >
> > > (e) For people who suffer bandwidth limitations and low data caps.

Even if you have poor bandwidth/capping then a friend might have a good 
connection. They can burn a DVD and post you one. Even if you live in a bothy 
a passing shepherd can deliver your DVD.

> > In addition, sometimes I have to install on machines which will not be
> > connected the net.

See above. Either get a friend to burn a DVD for you or get an official one 
from your local TUG.

> > Assuming everyone has a decent connection to the net always may not be
> > true. ISO images are a lifesaver for those situations.

Having "the official texlive ISO" for this year is a good starting point for 
installation. Each distro gets known, warts and all, so support staff know 
where they are.

Netinstall is very good for getting bleeding edge installs but not totally 
stable.

> but, with few exceptions, a usb stick is fast enough that you get the
> job *much* faster.  (exceptions? -- the machine i'm sitting in front of
> has a broken usb [software] driver ;-)

Actually for machines like a Raspberry Pi you have to use a stick to install 
cos there's no DVD drive. I copy the files from a mounted ISO or DVD to 
stick. You have to concentrate slightly but it's quite easy.

> sounds to me like something one might distribute at local meetings
> ... or even direct from user groups (at cost).

This is what the UKTUG and other groups(?) do.

Simon Dales
-- 
Get Things Fixed