>>>>> "DB" == David Brownlee writes:

        May be this  editor should have  EMACS  keybindings too?  I guess  it
        should  simplify learning command line   editing in shells etc.  UNIX
        software is influenced with EMACS key bindings very much and probably
        this would be very useful for any new user.

        I would suggest `jove' but it isn't perfect.. May be `jed'?

 >> Hmm.  There's this place using NetBSD, where no-one knows how to use
 >> vi.  It's always a challenge to get a new machine up and running when
 >> you have to guide them keystroke by keystroke on the phone when they're
 >> editing /etc/rc.confor /etc/group or doing vipw to get the system up so
 >> I can log on from the network.
 >> 
 DB> 	Another good argument for having a simple editor present.
	
 DB> 	Attempted summary of discussion to date:

 DB> 	Reasons against:
 DB> 		- If someone cannot learn vi, they should not be editing
 DB> 		  system files on unix.
 DB> 		- sysinst should be able to install a simple editor.
 DB> 		- small amount of bloat.

 DB> 	Reasons for:
 DB> 		- Guaranteed easy editor on all systems, docs can reference
 DB> 		- Help novices
 DB> 		- Help someone talking a novice through something
 DB> 		- Can break out into a sysinst package when base system is
 DB> 		  split into packages anyway
 DB> 		- Currently discourages new users from NetBSD initially -
 DB> 		  more likely to learn on another system and stay there.

 DB> 	If the editor is present it should be:
 DB> 		- In /usr/bin
 DB> 		- Be simple to use, with cursor keys, and emacs like move
 DB> 		- Not wrap long lines
 DB> 		- Preserve uid/permissions on files
		

 DB> 	Updates to the above welcomed.
 DB> 		David/absolute