> On UNIX (thus on Linux) > many of the best products live in their own "sandbox". > Some call it a "product home directory". Others might call it > a "package root directory". VM is a superb example of this > where we enjoy Service Virtual Machines that not only can be > isolated to their own minidisk (or two or more; it depends) > but may also do so read only. (R/O sharing ... what a concept!)
For the ISVs out there: Check out the feature article in Unix Sysadmin magazine this month on OpenPKG. It's an excellent description of how to package your tools in a way that: 1) DOES NOT spray files all over the file system. 2) DOES allow easy installation and upgrades, as well as version coexistance in a RO environment. 3) Why this is important. 4) How to work around some of the deficiencies in RPM. It's available online at www.sysadminmag.com. -- db
