[opensuse] Software updates and repositories understanding

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

22 Dec 2007 22 Dec '07

11:43

Hi, This has been bothering me for a long time as I am battling to understand the usage of software repositories. I haven't been able to find a reference in the fine manual of 10.2 that describes this , hence my question. I realise that the repositories are used for updates but why has some of my software not been updated? I am also not expecting to get an update from 10.2 to 10.3 but I would expect updates for the applications I use on 10.2. I am running 10.2 here and have the following YAST repositories loaded, in the order they are listed: opensuse.mirror.ac.za/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/non-oss/ ftp.skynet.be/pub/ftp.opensuse.org/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/oss/ www.mirrorservice.org/sites/ftp.opensuse.org/pub/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/non-oss/ ftp.skynet.be/pub/ftp.suse.com/suse/update/10.2/ (YUM) www.mirrorservice.org/sites/ftp.opensuse.org/pub/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/oss/ opensuse.mirror.ac.za/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/oss/ ftp.skynet.be/pub/ftp.opensuse.org/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/non-oss/ ftp.suse.compub/suse/update/10.2 (YUM) Despite these repositories being loaded, and me complying to several update requests via opensuse updater for various security updates, as announced on opensuse-security, I am yet to receive an update(my version in brackets) to openoffice(2.0.4), Thunderbird(1.5.0.12) and Firefox(2.0.0.10). I realise the list I receive the notifications on is for security so I do not expect it to come from there, but I do expect opensuseupdater to advise me that there is a STABLE release/update for some of the above installed software. I would have thought that I would have had the latest stable releases as I have oss and non-oss repositories loaded. I have read email about releases for Firefox ?3?, Thunderbird ?2.5? and OO.org 2.3 and yet my system does not have the updated version of the software? If I scour the opensuse site and find stable repositories for the above software, should I add them? I would assume yes as the existing ones have not updated the software substantially, Let us assume, without making an ass out of u and me, that I find the repository for Openoffice of: http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/OpenOffice.org:/STABLE/openSUSE_10... Before loading it is as a source I would load it into my browser. Here I see there are several sub directories. I would need to know where to end i.e. at the parent folder ..openSUSE_10.2/, or the ...openSUSE_10.2/repodata/ folder, the ...openSUSE_10.2/i586/ folder or in the ...openSUSE_10.2/noarch folder? I would assume i586 but what is the difference between that and noarch? Bear in mind that I want YAST to do all the downloading, extracting and correct installing i.e. I am a GUI person and know not the path to true light i.e. CLI, yet. But I'll cover that in another email :) Help me understand or give me a link I can read to understand it. TIA P.S: I was unable to find anything to explain what I needed at opensuse or TLDP. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

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Druid

22 Dec 22 Dec

12:09

On Dec 22, 2007 9:43 AM, Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

Hi,

This has been bothering me for a long time as I am battling to understand the usage of software repositories. I haven't been able to find a reference in the fine manual of 10.2 that describes this , hence my question.

I realise that the repositories are used for updates but why has some of my software not been updated? I am also not expecting to get an update from 10.2 to 10.3 but I would expect updates for the applications I use on 10.2.

Not exactly. It works more or less like this: the main repository of each release is frozen. It will not change versions. It was tested and it will remains with this versions forever. They dont upgrade (people say upgrade like goin from version 2.4 to 2.6), but there is a repository called update for each release that has updates, being updates small changes (like from 2.4.6-32a to 2.4.6-32b). Updates are small changes, and they are made only for security and some bugfixing purpose. Thats the way it works, it wont get updated. Thats the whole purpose of testing and stabilising a release: you integrate, test and release those exact versions. Thats the right-way-to-do-it (TM). Sometimes people need some more recent software. This situation is kinda rare, most of time people want to upgrade with no reason (its a disease called upgraditis). For providing those extra new software, and some software that eventually is not in the main repository, for any reason, there are the aditional or specific repositories, like the Build service ones.

...

I would have thought that I would have had the latest stable releases as I have oss and non-oss repositories loaded. I have read email about

No, as Ive said the policy is that the main repository is frozen.

...

releases for Firefox ?3?, Thunderbird ?2.5? and OO.org 2.3 and yet my system does not have the updated version of the software?

You would need extra repositories. Or install 10.3... Some of those stuff wont even be in 10.3, as they are more recent than the 10.3 release.

...

If I scour the opensuse site and find stable repositories for the above software, should I add them?

The reasons to upgrade are usually to fix some bug you are having or to get new features.

...

I would assume yes as the existing ones have not updated the software substantially,

You can say that, but that doesnt mean its good enough to enter the main repository, because it wasnt tested. You are on your own risk.

...

Let us assume, without making an ass out of u and me, that I find the repository for Openoffice of: http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/OpenOffice.org:/STABLE/openSUSE_10...

...

Before loading it is as a source I would load it into my browser. Here I see there are several sub directories.

Its good to load it in the browser for 2 reason: i) you know its acessible (some rare repos dont let you list it in the browser) and ii) identify if its really a source (like you've said, to identify where the path ends). For YUM repos, like the ones in Buildservice it ends in the path that contains the directory repodata. Check http://opensuse-community.org/AddSource

...

I would need to know where to end i.e. at the parent folder ..openSUSE_10.2/, or the ...openSUSE_10.2/repodata/ folder, the ...openSUSE_10.2/i586/ folder or in the ...openSUSE_10.2/noarch folder? I would assume i586 but what is the difference between that and noarch?

That collection of directories makes one repository. Noarch is just the directory of the repo taht holds the packages that are the same in any arch, for example, one containing wallpapers, themes.

...

Bear in mind that I want YAST to do all the downloading, extracting and correct installing i.e. I am a GUI person and know not the path to true light i.e. CLI, yet. But I'll cover that in another email :)

Yast does that, in GUI, ncurses or command line, again check the link to o-c.org Best regards Marcio Ferreira --- Druid -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

16:49

Druid wrote:

...

On Dec 22, 2007 9:43 AM, Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...
Hi,

This has been bothering me for a long time as I am battling to understand the usage of software repositories. I haven't been able to find a reference in the fine manual of 10.2 that describes this , hence my question.

I realise that the repositories are used for updates but why has some of my software not been updated? I am also not expecting to get an update from 10.2 to 10.3 but I would expect updates for the applications I use on 10.2.

Not exactly. It works more or less like this: the main repository of each release is frozen. It will not change versions. It was tested and it will remains with this versions forever. They dont upgrade (people say upgrade like goin from version 2.4 to 2.6), but there is a repository called update for each release that has updates, being updates small changes (like from 2.4.6-32a to 2.4.6-32b). Updates are small changes, and they are made only for security and some bugfixing purpose.

OK, like those I have already downloaded and installed.

...

Thats the way it works, it wont get updated. Thats the whole purpose of testing and stabilising a release: you integrate, test and release those exact versions. Thats the right-way-to-do-it (TM).

Sometimes people need some more recent software. This situation is kinda rare, most of time people want to upgrade with no reason (its a disease called upgraditis). For providing those extra new software, and some software that eventually is not in the main repository, for any reason, there are the aditional or specific repositories, like the Build service ones.

If I get that dreaded upgraditis, I am then on my own, despite it being an opensuse rpm. I am on my own because it hasn't been tested and whilst it may have new features, it may also bring along more problems.

...

...
I would have thought that I would have had the latest stable releases as I have oss and non-oss repositories loaded. I have read email about...

No, as Ive said the policy is that the main repository is frozen.

...

...
..releases for Firefox ?3?, Thunderbird ?2.5? and OO.org 2.3 and yet my system does not have the updated version of the software?

You would need extra repositories. Or install 10.3... Some of those stuff wont even be in 10.3, as they are more recent than the 10.3 release.

If I do download and install, I am on my own.

...

...
If I scour the opensuse site and find stable repositories for the above software, should I add them?

The reasons to upgrade are usually to fix some bug you are having or to get new features.

In other words, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' TM!

...

...
I would assume yes as the existing ones have not updated the software substantially,

You can say that, but that doesnt mean its good enough to enter the main repository, because it wasnt tested. You are on your own risk.

...

...
Let us assume, without making an ass out of u and me, that I find the repository for Openoffice of: http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/OpenOffice.org:/STABLE/openSUSE_10...

...
Before loading it is as a source I would load it into my browser. Here I see there are several sub directories.

Its good to load it in the browser for 2 reason: i) you know its acessible (some rare repos dont let you list it in the browser) and ii) identify if its really a source (like you've said, to identify where the path ends). For YUM repos, like the ones in Buildservice it ends in the path that contains the directory repodata.

Check http://opensuse-community.org/AddSource

...
I would need to know where to end i.e. at the parent folder ..openSUSE_10.2/, or the ...openSUSE_10.2/repodata/ folder, the ...openSUSE_10.2/i586/ folder or in the ...openSUSE_10.2/noarch folder? I would assume i586 but what is the difference between that and noarch?

That collection of directories makes one repository. Noarch is just the directory of the repo taht holds the packages that are the same in any arch, for example, one containing wallpapers, themes.

...
Bear in mind that I want YAST to do all the downloading, extracting and correct installing i.e. I am a GUI person and know not the path to true light i.e. CLI, yet. But I'll cover that in another email :)

Yast does that, in GUI, ncurses or command line, again check the link to o-c.org

Tnx DRUID Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Anders Johansson

16:58

On Saturday 22 December 2007 17:49:50 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

If I get that dreaded upgraditis, I am then on my own,

I've never liked that expression. The whole point of a community is that you're not on your own. There are mailing lists and forums, and you can report the bug (if there is one) to the developers. The one thing you can't do if you install third party rpms is blame suse if things break Anders -- Madness takes its toll -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

23 Dec 23 Dec

18:20

Anders Johansson wrote:

...

On Saturday 22 December 2007 17:49:50 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...
If I get that dreaded upgraditis, I am then on my own,

I've never liked that expression. The whole point of a community is that you're not on your own. There are mailing lists and forums, and you can report the bug (if there is one) to the developers.

A community a yr old opensuian user relies VERY heavily on. Tnx guys and gals.

...

The one thing you can't do if you install third party rpms is blame suse if things break

Understood. When I tried to install yast2-metapackage-handler-0.5.2-3.1.noarch.rpm it said another process was using package management. Made sure I closed all other YAST windows and tried again but got the same error. It is still alpha/beta software i.e. below 1.0 so I think I'll wait for 11.0 as maybe it will be better then. Regards Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

18:49

Anders Johansson wrote:

...

On Saturday 22 December 2007 17:49:50 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...
If I get that dreaded upgraditis, I am then on my own,

I've never liked that expression. The whole point of a community is that you're not on your own. There are mailing lists and forums, and you can report the bug (if there is one) to the developers.

The one thing you can't do if you install third party rpms is blame suse if things break

Tried installing the 1-Click RPM you mentioned and I got an error about there being no repo or something. Tried to recreate but was unable to as each time I then click on the filename in Konqi and choose install via YAST, Yast comes up and complains about there being another version running, which asides from opensuseupdater every hour is bollocks. Looks like I'll be waiting to 11.0 and hoping the 1-Click rpm is there. Anders, Mention if you want a pvt mail with a screenshot of the error as I was unable to Ctrl-C the text. Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

24 Dec 24 Dec

06:55

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

Anders Johansson wrote:

...
On Saturday 22 December 2007 17:49:50 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...
If I get that dreaded upgraditis, I am then on my own, I've never liked that expression. The whole point of a community is that you're not on your own. There are mailing lists and forums, and you can report the bug (if there is one) to the developers.

The one thing you can't do if you install third party rpms is blame suse if things break

Tried installing the 1-Click RPM you mentioned and I got an error about there being no repo or something. Tried to recreate but was unable to as each time I then click on the filename in Konqi and choose install via YAST, Yast comes up and complains about there being another version running, which asides from opensuseupdater every hour is bollocks.

Exact error was: 'There are no installable providers of /usr/bin/xdg-su for yast2-metapackage-handler-0.5.2-3.1.noarch[_krpmview_temporary]' Does this mean I do not have xdg-su installed? Another error is that despite all the Yast windows being closed, If I then start Yast:Software Management it incorrectly reports that there is another Yast service running.

...

Looks like I'll be waiting to 11.0 and hoping the 1-Click rpm is there.

Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

jdd

22 Dec 22 Dec

12:33

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

opensuse.mirror.ac.za/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/non-oss/ ftp.skynet.be/pub/ftp.opensuse.org/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/oss/

these two are static repository. Usually they don't change after the initial release. Very rarely there is an update if the basic install break too much

...

www.mirrorservice.org/sites/ftp.opensuse.org/pub/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/non-oss/

this one is a duplicate and should be deleted

...

ftp.skynet.be/pub/ftp.suse.com/suse/update/10.2/ (YUM)

this one is the update one, sometime modified (and so have to be refreshed)

...

www.mirrorservice.org/sites/ftp.opensuse.org/pub/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/oss/

duplicate, to be deleted

...

opensuse.mirror.ac.za/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/oss/ ftp.skynet.be/pub/ftp.opensuse.org/opensuse/distribution/10.2/repo/non-oss/

triplicates...

...

ftp.suse.compub/suse/update/10.2 (YUM)

duplicate updates are only for bugsfixes, there is no version update (and there is little need for them) the full update should be done through YaST online Update (YOU)

...

I have read email about releases for Firefox ?3?

non, you will never have such thing. It could cost many dependecies changes, and possibly new bugs. If you want always the very last application you can switch any eight mont for the new openSUSE release (now 10.3) - but it's not always a good idea and not always so easy may you should considere adding packman to your repositories (wee the wiki) 10.3 have a YaST module to add community repositories, but 10.2 haven't jdd -- http://www.dodin.net -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

15:56

jdd wrote about the triplicate installation sources I have listed: Tnx jdd, I'll do a clean-up although doesn't having more than one source provide greater accessibility i.e. if the suse site goes down, perhaps the updates have already been transferred to a mirror which I might then be able to download from? <snip> openSUSE 11.0 has been budgeted for and I look forward to it and as few bugs as possible. Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Robert Smits

16:37

On December 22, 2007 07:56:12 am Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

jdd wrote about the triplicate installation sources I have listed:

Tnx jdd,

I'll do a clean-up although doesn't having more than one source provide greater accessibility i.e. if the suse site goes down, perhaps the updates have already been transferred to a mirror which I might then be able to download from?

Having redundant repositories really adds unnecessarily to the amount of time it takes to start doing something with YAST. Just make sure the update site is set to refresh, and you should get updates every few days (at least that's my experience with 10.3). This site, http://en.opensuse.org/Additional_YaST_Package_Repositories has a good list of additional repositories. -- Bob Smits bob@rsmits.ca A: Because it messes up the order in which people normally read text. Q: Why is top-posting such a bad thing? A: Top-posting. Q: What is the most annoying thing on usenet and in e-mail? -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Anders Johansson

12:44

Hi, Version updates for released products are extremely rare. Essentially, they only happen when there is a serious bug or security problem, and a backport of the fix is too complicated So yes, if you really want updated versions of the software, you need to either update to the latest suse release, or get the packages from the build service, as you have found On Saturday 22 December 2007 12:43:53 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

Let us assume, without making an ass out of u and me, that I find the repository for Openoffice of: http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/OpenOffice.org:/STABLE/openSUSE_1 0.2/

Before loading it is as a source I would load it into my browser. Here I see there are several sub directories. I would need to know where to end i.e. at the parent folder ..openSUSE_10.2/, or the ...openSUSE_10.2/repodata/ folder, the ...openSUSE_10.2/i586/ folder or in the ...openSUSE_10.2/noarch folder? I would assume i586 but what is the difference between that and noarch?

Bear in mind that I want YAST to do all the downloading, extracting and correct installing i.e. I am a GUI person and know not the path to true light i.e. CLI, yet. But I'll cover that in another email :)

Well, the path should end with the suse release, in this case openSUSE_10.2. YaST will take care of finding the correct architecture. noarch means that the packages in there work on all architectures. For example artwork (background images, icons and such) But by far the easiest is to use the one-click install, which is available for 10.2 as well. It will do all the work for you. Install http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/openSUSE%3A/Tools/openSUSE_10.2/no... Then, when you search for software at http://software.opensuse.org/search and you see the "1-click install" button, you can click it and it will install everything you need for you Anders -- Madness takes its toll -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

16:20

Anders Johansson wrote:

...

Hi,

Version updates for released products are extremely rare. Essentially, they only happen when there is a serious bug or security problem, and a backport of the fix is too complicated

So yes, if you really want updated versions of the software, you need to either update to the latest suse release, or get the packages from the build service, as you have found

Now THAT ANSWERS my question, and poses a new one. If I do decide to download a version update via rpm of software, then I will have to install it by hand to resolve dependencies and compile, and or use the 1-Click install mentioned below ? The trick now is to know what to do when I have downloaded the rpm, and of course which directory to download it to on my system / i.e. /usr, /usr/bin, opt/ i.e. where is a logical folder that I can download software for my system to, besides the classic Linux answer of 'anywhere'?

...

On Saturday 22 December 2007 12:43:53 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...
...Before loading it is as a source I would load it into my browser. Here I see there are several sub directories. I would need to know where to end i.e. at the parent folder ..openSUSE_10.2/, or the ...openSUSE_10.2/repodata/ folder, the ...openSUSE_10.2/i586/ folder or in the ...openSUSE_10.2/noarch folder? I would assume i586 but what is the difference between that and noarch?

Bear in mind that I want YAST to do all the downloading, extracting and correct installing i.e. I am a GUI person and know not the path to true light i.e. CLI, yet. But I'll cover that in another email :)

Well, the path should end with the suse release, in this case openSUSE_10.2. YaST will take care of finding the correct architecture. noarch means that the packages in there work on all architectures. For example artwork (background images, icons and such)

Thank you for telling me not to worry about the sub-folders.

...

But by far the easiest is to use the one-click install, which is available for 10.2 as well. It will do all the work for you. Install

http://download.opensuse.org/repositories/openSUSE%3A/Tools/openSUSE_10.2/no...

Then, when you search for software at http://software.opensuse.org/search and you see the "1-click install" button, you can click it and it will install everything you need for you

Anders

Tnx again Anders Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Rodney Baker

23 Dec 23 Dec

05:14

On Sunday 23 December 2007 02:50:13 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

Anders Johansson wrote:

...
Hi,

Version updates for released products are extremely rare. Essentially, they only happen when there is a serious bug or security problem, and a backport of the fix is too complicated

So yes, if you really want updated versions of the software, you need to either update to the latest suse release, or get the packages from the build service, as you have found

Now THAT ANSWERS my question, and poses a new one.

If I do decide to download a version update via rpm of software, then I will have to install it by hand to resolve dependencies and compile, and or use the 1-Click install mentioned below ?

1-click is easier because Yast automatically resolves dependencies for you. Manually installing from rpm's is OK, but you will have to resolve the dependencies yourself - not always as easy as it sounds. Installing from source can be even trickier and not recommended for novices, but you should learn how to do it if you want to try an application for which binary packages haven't been created for your distro. Bear in mind though that apps installed from source are not included in the rpm database of installed packages and therefore won't be automatically updated.

...

The trick now is to know what to do when I have downloaded the rpm, and of course which directory to download it to on my system / i.e. /usr, /usr/bin, opt/ i.e. where is a logical folder that I can download software for my system to, besides the classic Linux answer of 'anywhere'?

I set aside a folder called "Downloads" with a symlink to my home directory and store all downloaded files there. That way I can keep them for future re-use, or decide to delete them when no longer needed (until the day after they're deleted :-) ). To install a package manually from an rpm you need to be root (use 'su -' and enter root's password, or use sudo), chdir to the directory where you downloaded the rpm and do 'rpm -ivh '. Any unresolved dependencies will be reported as errors and you can then go chasing those packages and install them first (either the same way or through Yast) before trying again. Once you've done it a few times you'll get the hang of it. Regards, Rodney. -- =================================================== Rodney Baker VK5ZTV rodney.baker@optusnet.com.au =================================================== -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

17:50

Rodney Baker wrote:

...

On Sunday 23 December 2007 02:50:13 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...
Anders Johansson wrote:

...
Hi,

Version updates for released products are extremely rare. Essentially, they only happen when there is a serious bug or security problem, and a backport of the fix is too complicated

So yes, if you really want updated versions of the software, you need to either update to the latest suse release, or get the packages from the build service, as you have found Now THAT ANSWERS my question, and poses a new one.

If I do decide to download a version update via rpm of software, then I will have to install it by hand to resolve dependencies and compile, and or use the 1-Click install mentioned below ?

1-click is easier because Yast automatically resolves dependencies for you. Manually installing from rpm's is OK, but you will have to resolve the dependencies yourself - not always as easy as it sounds.

<snip>

...

I set aside a folder called "Downloads" with a symlink to my home directory and store all downloaded files there. That way I can keep them for future re-use, or decide to delete them when no longer needed (until the day after they're deleted :-) ).

To install a package manually from an rpm you need to be root (use 'su -' and enter root's password, or use sudo), chdir to the directory where you downloaded the rpm and do 'rpm -ivh '.

No, Seriously, it has to be harder than that!

...

Any unresolved dependencies will be reported as errors and you can then go chasing those packages and install them first (either the same way or through Yast) before trying again. Once you've done it a few times you'll get the hang of it.

Boy, 1-Click Install does sound good when faced with solving dependencies :) I have a directory currently that is called Downloads in my Home directory. Guess I'll be keeping it :) especially as it gets backed up. When I install from an ~/downloads/*.rpm, should I rather copy it to /tmp and install it into the correct directory from there as doesn't the installation of an rpm delete the initial rpm after installing? I'm thinking probably not as the rpm would be needed to un-install the package, but my knowledge needs assistance. I'm also thinking that the rpm might install in the /tmp directory, where in actual fact it should be in /usr or /opt/share/? Tnx Rodney, You have contributed significantly to my learning today. Regards Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Rodney Baker

20:17

On Monday 24 December 2007 04:20:07 Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote: [...]

...

I have a directory currently that is called Downloads in my Home directory. Guess I'll be keeping it :) especially as it gets backed up.

When I install from an ~/downloads/*.rpm, should I rather copy it to /tmp and install it into the correct directory from there as doesn't the installation of an rpm delete the initial rpm after installing? I'm thinking probably not as the rpm would be needed to un-install the package, but my knowledge needs assistance. I'm also thinking that the rpm might install in the /tmp directory, where in actual fact it should be in /usr or /opt/share/?

The rpm will install the software in whatever location is defined in the install scripts within the rpm package. The rpm is not deleted and it doesn't matter where it is stored when you run it - you can even run it directly across a network or the internet via a url, if you have a fast enough connection (or don't mind waiting a *long* time on dialup <ugh>). rpm understands locations such as http:///package.rpm.

...

Tnx Rodney,

You have contributed significantly to my learning today.

You're welcome. Glad to help. Regards, Rodney. -- =================================================== Rodney Baker VK5ZTV rodney.baker@optusnet.com.au =================================================== -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Bob S

05:26

On Saturday 22 December 2007 11:20:13 am Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

Anders Johansson wrote:

...
Hi,

Version updates for released products are extremely rare. Essentially, they only happen when there is a serious bug or security problem, and a backport of the fix is too complicated

So yes, if you really want updated versions of the software, you need to either update to the latest suse release, or get the packages from the build service, as you have found

Now THAT ANSWERS my question, and poses a new one.

If I do decide to download a version update via rpm of software, then I will have to install it by hand to resolve dependencies and compile, and or use the 1-Click install mentioned below ?

The trick now is to know what to do when I have downloaded the rpm, and of course which directory to download it to on my system / i.e. /usr, /usr/bin, opt/ i.e. where is a logical folder that I can download software for my system to, besides the classic Linux answer of 'anywhere'?

Hylton, Just pick a directory, any directory, I have a /download directory in my /home. Download it to there. Then go to that directory, click on it, and choose install with Yast. Yast will know what to do with it. Bob S. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)

18:11

Bob S wrote:

...

On Saturday 22 December 2007 11:20:13 am Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...
Anders Johansson wrote:

...
Hi,

Version updates for released products are extremely rare. Essentially, they only happen when there is a serious bug or security problem, and a backport of the fix is too complicated

So yes, if you really want updated versions of the software, you need to either update to the latest suse release, or get the packages from the build service, as you have found Now THAT ANSWERS my question, and poses a new one.

If I do decide to download a version update via rpm of software, then I will have to install it by hand to resolve dependencies and compile, and or use the 1-Click install mentioned below ?

The trick now is to know what to do when I have downloaded the rpm, and of course which directory to download it to on my system / i.e. /usr, /usr/bin, opt/ i.e. where is a logical folder that I can download software for my system to, besides the classic Linux answer of 'anywhere'?

Hylton,

Just pick a directory, any directory, I have a /download directory in my /home. Download it to there. Then go to that directory, click on it, and choose install with Yast. Yast will know what to do with it.

And it will install it in the right place and leave the 'source rpm' to be used another time? Damn, learning is accelerating over Christmas, so much for a holiday!. But I am very glad for it. :) Hylton -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

Bob S

24 Dec 24 Dec

03:15

On Sunday 23 December 2007 01:11:17 pm Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC) wrote:

...

Bob S wrote:

...

...
...
The trick now is to know what to do when I have downloaded the rpm, and of course which directory to download it to on my system / i.e. /usr, /usr/bin, opt/ i.e. where is a logical folder that I can download software for my system to, besides the classic Linux answer of 'anywhere'?

Hylton,

Just pick a directory, any directory, I have a /download directory in my /home. Download it to there. Then go to that directory, click on it, and choose install with Yast. Yast will know what to do with it.

And it will install it in the right place and leave the 'source rpm' to be used another time?

Yes Bob S -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org

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17 comments

7 participants

participants (7)

Anders Johansson
Bob S
Druid
Hylton Conacher (ZR1HPC)
jdd
Robert Smits
Rodney Baker