Re: Simplifying package installation.

[bob cs csoft net]

How about this:
Write a gnome install program.
RPMS, DEBS, whatever is associated with it.
When a RPM (or whatever) is opened, the install program
first checks the package against the packaging system installed on the
system.
If it is not a native package, it uses alien to convert it.
It then prompts you do you want to install it for use only on this
account, or for use on all accounts. If you say local, it sets your rpm
database to the one in your home and installs the rpm there. If you say
system, it asks for the root password, and installs it via a call to rpm
through su.