From: izzy Meyer Subject: Re: Add 1-line explainer to install.sub urging users to go with the defaults To: Florian Obser Cc: tech@openbsd.org Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:30:58 -0500 On Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:27:46 +0200 Florian Obser wrote: > On 2026-04-25 01:12 -06, "Theo de Raadt" wrote: > > izzy Meyer wrote: > > > >> Attached is a diff that adds an echo command to install.sub urging > >> new users to use the default options in the installer if unsure. > > > > remember to hit return after you make your choice > > > > remember to use a finger, not a toe > > > > > > Sorry. No. It is entirely obvious. > > > > The terseness of the installation procedure is intentional. > > > > This started out as a discussion about which sets to install (well, > all of course, duh). > > The faq suggests that only bsd & base78.tgz are "required", good luck > with that I guess. > > People like to push buttons, I've seen people getting exciting when > they get to the sets question ("Finally I can customize my > installation"). > > The amount of shit we got for sysupgrade because it would "not respect > my choices" by upgrading all sets was not funny and it's still > ongoing. It is pretty hard on my d key... > > Anyway, not a hill I'm going to die on. > No, I have done some thinking, and I think Theo is right here, as much as I didn't wanna admit that at first. As I understand it, it's expected that you read the install notes and the FaQ when installing, and if you don't you'll be free to keep the broken pieces. In other words, not reading the docs and researching beforehand is an unsupported use case. In any case, the installer does pretty strictly enforce the defaults already, so its only the user presumption that they know better than the defaults that will break things. ATP then it is their issue and an opportunity to learn "The OpenBSD Way" for lack of a better term. I didn't agree with this at first, but I can understand Theo's reasoning. I actually like the installer's terseness. For anyone reading this thread, feel free to dismiss the diff and idea as a whole then. I feel the project should stay true to its goals. I'd rather not die on this hill as well. :) -- iz (she/her) > i like to say mundane things, > there are too many uninteresting things > that go unnoticed. izder456 (dot) neocities (dot) org