How about a complete installation package?

["O. A. Rondon" <or virginia edu>]

Dear gnumeric team,

I have used some older version of gnumeric, and I find it perhaps a 
superior application than OpenOffice Calc, etc. But the version I have 
used (1.0.5), provided by the Linux distro installed in our server is 
obviously obsolete. I have tried to install the latest 1.8.1 which 
should be much more powerful and bug free. However, I am very 
disappointed that:
- even my fairly recent KNOPPIX 5.1 Linux distro lags well behind in the 
versions of several libraries needed to compile and install gnumeric 1.8.1
- even if my installation were up to date, I still would need super-user 
privileges to install the package. I am su for my workstation, but the 
root administrator of our servers would  balk (with reason) at having to 
update/install so many additional packages
- even if I had the patience to install the missing packages myself, I 
would first have to hunt around for the required versions, and hope that 
no further dependencies come up (an unlikely hope) as I install them

In summary, why not distribute a stand-alone package that includes all 
the necessary libraries, so users can GET TO USE gnumeric?

The fundamental flaw of Linux to be a widely installed platform is the 
apparent expectation of the Linux developer community that the general 
public will flock to a system that is absolutely user UNfriendly, for 
even semi-experts, like myself. Only an extremely tiny fraction of 
computer users have the time, expertise and inclination to do this kind 
of work. Linux, gnumeric, etc., will remain the playground of hackers, 
who have the most powerful tools at their disposal, but won't share them 
with anyone who is not also a hacker. Hopefully, the gnumeric team will 
take some steps to improve this situation.

Regards,

Oscar R.