Let the position of packages and config files customizeable

[dillcn]

I think it is a good idea to let users to choose where to install their packages and config files besides the default directory. This method could solve the problems of some hard coded old softwares, and give users the right to make choice.

[waddlesplash]

To confirm: PackageInstaller refers to the old (BeOS Software Valet) .pkg installer, not the HPKG system - is that what you're referring to here?

[dillcn]

Replying to waddlesplash:

To confirm: PackageInstaller refers to the old (BeOS Software Valet) .pkg installer, not the HPKG system - is that what you're referring to here?

Yes, I mean hpkg system.

[pulkomandy]

I'm not sure which "hard coded old software" you are referring to, then. Old software is not inside hpkg files.

Please describe your exact problem (which software are you trying to use? What problem do you hit?) and we can try to find a solution, maybe one that doesn't involve moving things elsewhere (once again) and doesn't need manual user intervention.

[dillcn]

Replying to pulkomandy:

I'm not sure which "hard coded old software" you are referring to, then. Old software is not inside hpkg files.

Please describe your exact problem (which software are you trying to use? What problem do you hit?) and we can try to find a solution, maybe one that doesn't involve moving things elsewhere (once again) and doesn't need manual user intervention.

I saw people and haikuware ownner karl complaining hpkg system here(​http://www.haiku-os.org/community/forum/haikuware_0), then I have this idea may solve the problem. And I think a customizable system will satisfy more people, so it is a good idea to give users the right to make their own choice and do not make choice for them.

[waddlesplash]

HPKGs can already be installed in two places: in /system (the default location) or in ~/config. Where else do you think packages should be installable to?

[pulkomandy]

We repeatedly asked people complaining about this to provide examples of software that can't be installed anymore. There was 1 single bug report as a result of our repeated requests, and we helped fix the affected software (it was yab).

I should also add that BeOS software would be hardcoded to use /boot/beos, not /boot/system, so whatever happens in /boot/system will not change anything. This means we already are out of the way of "old hardcoded software". Please reopen this bug only if you have software that is broken because of this problem (rumors that "other people said..." won't work, sorry).