Software installation opinions needed

[Applied Magnetics]

If your package must be installed by root, do this:
 1) Install via a script with lots of comments.  This way, the system
    administrator can examine the script and change it if he wants to.
    A script is better than a makefile, say, because it can be read
    from top to bottom.
 2) If things are just too complicated, the script can be generated
    by a separate configuration script/makefile/binary.  Or some set
    of actions may be performed by a preliminary
    script/makefile/binary.  The rule here should be:  everything is
    completely innocuous until the final script is run by root.
 3) As a part of final installation, generate a manifest of all files,
    links etc. and their owner, group and final resting place.  Let the
    administrator decide where to keep the manifest.

--Pierre Asselin, Applied magnetics Corp.