[CALUG] Linux software management

[Bernard Karmilowicz]

Hi Russ:

> Should all my software come from the manufactureers recommended 
> repositories in order to retain a stable system?

Not for Linux to run stable, but rather for the user applications you 
install to run stable (if at all).

Application packages are assembled under assumptions (shared library 
versions, config file locations, C headers, etc.) that may not apply to 
your manufacturer's particular Linux distro.

A work-around (that I prefer to packages) is to download the 
applications of interest from the respective developer ftp/web sites, 
and compile the applications locally. This ensures the application is 
built against your system files. In my experience, the compiles usually 
complete without error, so the local builds do not require a significant 
effort. Generally, more time is spent reading each application's README 
and INSTALL files than performing the installations.

Sincerely,

- Bernie

-- 
+---------+---------+---------+---------+
  IntEn Corporation
    Integrated Engineering Services
      http://www.intencorp.com
+---------+---------+---------+---------+