##(see the SpecSpec for an explanation) * '''Launchpad Entry''': https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+spec/xdeltas * '''Created''': <> by Costincar * '''Contributors''': Costincar * '''Packages affected''': apt == Summary == Ubuntu should distribute updates as Xdeltas. SUSE does this, and it is very efficient in terms of bandwidth. == Rationale == Allowing faster updates for users. Lowering burden on Ubuntu archives. == Use cases == John has just installed his new Ubuntu Y.MM, after receiving his CDs. Unfortunately, because of the postal services, he receives them about two-three months after the release. He decides to install Ubuntu, and when the system checks for updates, he is horrified that he has to download >100MB of updates, not mentioning the fact that he also requires a lot of non-free content to make his PC fully operational: codecs, drivers. He: a) gives up on Ubuntu b) decides to neglect security and only install the packages he needs, without performing any update == Scope == Reduce bandwith consumption, both for the users and for the Ubuntu servers and mirrors. Allow for faster updates and better spreading of security fixes. == Design == == Implementation == Follow SUSE's implementation. It is in place at least since SUSE 9.3 (the last version I used). === Code === Not sure, but shouldn't be too much. Most likely a problem of implementation server-wise, and developers getting used to the system. === Data preservation and migration === The initial migration would be difficult, but very much worth it. The next LTS should definitely implement such an update system. == Outstanding issues == == BoF agenda and discussion == Please see this too: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/APTPackageDeltas/talk Interesting points of view on the actual implementation. ---- CategorySpec Wishlist.