RE: Need a README to explain items in download directory

From: owner-freebsd-current_at_freebsd.org [mailto:owner-freebsd-current_at_freebsd.org] On Behalf Of Chris Brennan
>
>On 9/3/2011 7:12 PM, Adam Vande More wrote:
>> On Sat, Sep 3, 2011 at 6:00 PM, Craig Rodrigues <rodrigc_at_crodrigues.org
>> <mailto:rodrigc_at_crodrigues.org>> wrote:
>>
>>     For this line:
>>
>>     (1)  FreeBSD-8.2-RELEASE-i386-bootonly.iso - Requires an Internet
>>     Connection
>>
>>     Does this mean that this ISO has the minimal stuff to boot, and
>>     then do an install by downloading packages over the Internet?  I
>>     really don't
>>     know, that's why I'm asking. :)
>
>What this should have said was that it is a *boot-to-installer* only ISO
>image, designed to be burned to optical media. A *network* connection is
>required (LAN/WAN depending on where you will be installing from) *or*
>you will have to provide a 'local source[1]' for the install to pull
>BASE packages from.
>
>[1] Local source can be an NFS mounted partition, local hard-drive with
>the base packages, etc... where-ever the BASE install files are located.
>
>> While such wording may be helpful to a new user over completely absent
>> directions, it's technically flawed.  You don't need an internet
>> connection, but rather a network connection or some other form of
>> installation media.
>
>You are correct Adam. I was a little too basic. If such a README is to
>be implemented, I could find myself writing some correct descriptions
>... perhaps a pr is in order?

Honestly, the person who needs to read that README file isn't the person who is going to care about nitpicky details on exactly what each file is.  He just wants to know which one will get him a FreeBSD system without a massive headache.  

A better README might look like:

=====================================================
FreeBSD 8.2-RELEASE Images

> FreeBSD-8.2-RELEASE-i386-dvd1.iso.xz           - Installer and full OS, DVD, Best Choice for Beginners
> FreeBSD-8.2-RELEASE-i386-disc1.iso                -  Installer and base OS, CD, For all people without DVD drives
> FreeBSD-8.2-RELEASE-i386-memstick.img      - Installer and base OS, USB Memory Sticks, Advanced users
> FreeBSD-8.2-RELEASE-i386-bootonly.iso        -  Installer only, CD, For Advanced users
> FreeBSD-8.2-RELEASE-i386-livefs.iso                 - Live file system, for repairs, for Advanced users

For more information, consult the FreeBSD Handbook:
http://www.freebsd.org/doc/handbook/install-diff-media.html

=====================================================

Anybody downloading the Bootonly image should already know what they're getting into.