Spec suggestion : dependancies with a non-networked computer

[Lionel Dricot (aka Ploum)]

Hello,

I hear often that there's a problem for installing applications in an Ubuntu
without internet or on a slow connexion. Indeed, under Windows, those people
simply download .exe from the computer of a friend, put them on an USB key
and go back to install the .exe on their computer.

Under Ubuntu, it's not possible anymore because of dependancies. How to know
wich paquet you must install ? (I have a few personnal stories with this
kind of problem when I was a young debianner ;-) )

So, I suggest to create a specification to workaround this problem. My idea
is the following :

@home
- In synaptic or g-a-i, add an option (in a menu, no need of a big button) :
simulate this installation
- This option create a file (txt, xml, whatever) with the exact list of
packages you need. The user is asked where he want to save this index file.
- The user putt the index file on his USB key

@friend
- The user goes to his friend's computer.
- On http://packages.ubuntu.com, he can upload his index file. That gives
him a page with the list of package he must download.
- He downloads all the packages and put them on his USB key, in the same
directory as the index file

@home
- Back home
- The user plugs his USB key and simply double click on the index file. (or
"perform a simulated installation" in synatpic ? or whatever ?)
- The system automatically install all packages and look for them in the
directory where the index file is. (a kind of dpkg -i *.deb )


Of course, it won't be for Dapper. It's more a middle term goal so far. But
what do you think about the general idea ? Is there really a need to solve
this problem ? Is this kind of solution something that can be discussed or
far too unrealistic ?

Lionel
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