[arch-general] {external, general}ized hooks in key packages [kernel26, ???] (WAS: Re: Reboot - Versioned Kernel Installs)

[Paul Gideon Dann]

On Monday 13 June 2011 20:53:19 David Campbell wrote:
> Excerpts from Timothy L.'s message of 2011-06-13 15:10:16 -0400:
> > ...
> > I'm a novice when it comes to this kind of stuff, but adding
> > simple hooks doesn't seem to needlessly complicate a user's
> > system. It's something a user would never notice unless they
> > actually needed to use the functionality it provided.
> 
> Just to clarify, when people talk about keeping it simple and the
> Arch way, they are not talking about having a simple, clean
> interface for the user, they are talking about keeping the system
> itself simple, as to reduce the likelihood of bugs, to make
> maintenance simpler, to make extending the system easier, etc..

Also, the Wiki article on "The Arch Way" states the following:

"Arch Linux targets and accommodates competent GNU/Linux users by giving them 
complete control and responsibility over the system. "

In my opinion, overwriting a working kernel with a version that has not yet 
been tested on the system, without performing a backup, makes the user's job 
of responsibility difficult.  Providing hooks and the option to perform a backup 
empowers the user and enables him/her to be cautious if that's his desire.

Paul