RE: OFFTOPIC: Re: bzip2 for kernel dists?

linux kernel account (linker@nightshade.z.ml.org)
Fri, 12 Dec 1997 09:56:10 -0500 (EST)

On Thu, 11 Dec 1997, Jordan Mendelson wrote:

> So, bzip2 yeilds better compression, it's free (no patent restrictions on
> algs, etc), and it's available in binary & source form for Linux & a number
> of other OSs. What's keeping kernels from being distributed like this?

One reason is that: While compressing you typical 30meg kernel tar, one
tends to grow old and grey.. I use bzip2 all the time, it's good... But
it's VERY slow..