Just a quick idea, instead of having to download an entire package where 95% of the files don't change, what about downloading a type of binary diff? I can think of two ways to do it:
1) Package everything in a type of 'pdeb' (patch deb). It should contain reconfiguration information, and files which have changed since version locally installed 2) Package everything in a 'pdeb' w/ real binary diff. Instead of packaging entire files which have changed, package patches. This would require a system which logged changes in order to work correctly, similar to CVS. Both of these would need to include a checksum per file. Optimally it would require that the storage of deb's on HTTP and FTP servers change as well, requiring the files to be unpacked so apt can grab a single file from a .deb. Then again, if it was done this way you could install partial packages, it's not like anyone uses every single executable which comes with the X packages.. I don't know, I figured it might be a way to save bandwidth & disk space. Just a thought, Jordan -- Jordan Mendelson : http://jordy.wserv.com Web Services, Inc. : http://www.wserv.com
