While i started using roxapps as a method of testing my new apps before copying them into my system directories, it became clear to me that it was much more convenient to just run them from where they were. It was there, that I would place all my dependencies and from there that I would create links to folders that were expected to be found in the system directories. The trouble was, that the application directories would get quite fat and with symlinks, they would never copy correctly to a vfat or other windoze filesystem. That is when I decided to put the finished product into a squashfs and mount it at startup. I figured it would also be a clever way of distributing these apps too. I have been saying right along, that one thing that really turns windoze users off from linux is that adding apps can be a real hassle. I have rarely added software to any linux distribution and not have to download more dependencies. It really sucks when you do not have an internet connection and have to download elsewhere. But rather than complain about it, I thought I would actually do something about it.
I now have "Hassle-free" roxapps. These apps contain all dependencies and some will even install OpenGL if needed. They are packaged into squash file systems that are mounted at startup to save space and allow execution from any file system. They will export all paths, and symlink any files or directories that belong in system directories, as well as remove them and unmount when the program is closed. I have tar.gz'd each app, so its as easy as 1. download, 2. extract, and 3. execute. That's all there is to it. No downloading dependencies, no looking for files that are no longer available where you once thought they were, no hassles. This is so easy, a 'doze user would probably think it was
too easy.
Here is a partial list of some apps I made:
- GIMP - to edit photos
Avidemux - to edit videos
Kdenlive - another video editor
Freeciv - a turn-based game like Civilization
Scribus - Desktop Publishing (one known bug so far, thanks Dingo)
Blender3D - 3D Animation program
I have 17 in total, and I will try and upload a few tonight. I will follow up when I can confirm their availability.