Hello, The reason for this mail is quite simple -- I've been using open/suse for a long time and I am afraid to see how opensuse is getting better, yet on the other hand is getting worse. Better -- because for example computer boots faster, worse -- because to do the same thing as before, user has to download extra packages, download "outdated" packages or learn again how to make things work with new tools. For me meaning of upgrade is simply -- user should upgrade system and everything should work as before, minimum. The only changes could be: everything is faster, more secure, reliable, etc. Examples: opensuse dropped smbfs package some time ago, and this done silently, when you try to use smbfs... nothing, no information why, what should user do. losetup worked perfectly well in 10.2, after upgrade user is supposed to set from scratch her/his configuration to make things work. I don't want only to complain, because it is wasting time. My propositions: a) let's say user works with OS X.Y with package P installed older than the basic package from this OS version (example opensuse 10.2 and cups 1.1) -- do not touch such packages! it is clear that user intentionally downgraded this package to work with it, it was her/his will so do not force upgrade of such packages b) dropping software (like smbfs (*)) -- provide fake packages (I already reported this idea), so when user tries to use it explain what she/he should do with it b.1) however this example (*) shows a bad judgement -- I think it is better to provide unmaintained code to help users, than to remove such software and make things worse for users (cifs does not work so well) c) if one tool is replaced with another (losetup example) provide converter, so user could call losetup-backward-compability script and all arguments would be translated to the new tool used in opensuse d) if it is only possible (technically) maintain backward compatibility, ignoring current userbase in such manner reminds me of one big firm and its attitude -- it is bad example to follow In general: it is better to make things work in one place (opensuse distribution) so every user could benefit from it, than ignoring users workplace and making them fix system after upgrade to the state before upgrade. This just a wasting time. Backward compatibility really matters -- it is no use I get new, great cups if it does not work for me at all. The same goes for every other package. Currently this issue is being treated too lightly (in my opinion). Thank you for your time, have a nice day, bye -- Maciej Pilichowski --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse-project+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse-project+help@opensuse.org