virtualbox.org

Virtualbox checks for updates regularly - does that include extension packs and will these packs automatically downloaded and installed ?

Not at the moment.

Perryg wrote:Not at the moment.

o.k. I just filed a feature request on the Bug Tracker.

If I understand correctly double checking (for core product and extension) is not needed, because when new version of core product is released and the same time new version of extension will be available.

It is going to be interesting what is procedure to update... If installing v4.0.2 (when it will be available) over existing installation v4.0.0 will new updated product work with old extension? Most probably there will be procedure:
1. uninstall extension pack,
2. install new core over existing product,
3. install new extension pack.

I think that the simplest solution would be to have installer with both products (core+extension) included and then at installation time user would have possibilities to install both or just a core. This would simplify installation and latter reduce a lot of problems of new users. I think that most of the users likes to have both installed on workstation, but on server there is probably no need of having extension pack...

P.S. But please don't understand me wrong. I like the separation of core + extension. I just don't like it to have a double installation.

I like the separation of core + extension.

+1

Though, It would be most convenient if extensions could be installed silently so they could be chained to silent installation of VirtualBox.

chingasos wrote:

I like the separation of core + extension.

+1

Though, It would be most convenient if extensions could be installed silently so they could be chained to silent installation of VirtualBox.

I agree. I already proposed that at least the closed source Oracle extension is packaged in the Linux repositories so that it can be installed / upgraded with minimum user interaction: http://www.virtualbox.org/ticket/8025

I like the way LibreOffice has managed downloads: http://www.libreoffice.org/download/
It is simple, you select an operating system, then there could be a checkbox of installing extension pack. And if checkbox is checked then there should be downloaded installer core+extension binary (single download - single file), if it is unchecked then just download core binary.

Maybe the two installations need to be and remain separate because of license issues?

marco wrote:Maybe the two installations need to be and remain separate because of license issues?

Marco, pre-v4.0 was both installed on single installation, so it can't be license issue. And don't forget that copy-rights of both versions is Oracle's. If any community contributor adds the code to VirtualBox it has to sign contract with Oracle or license the code under MIT. So there should be no license problem.

abcuser wrote:...pre-v4.0 was both installed on single installation, so it can't be license issue...

Well, as far as I know the pre-v4.0 OSE version did not include USB support, while the PUEL version did.
VBox4's (first) extension pack actually concerns USB support.
Maybe I was misled by such a coincidence.