On Wednesday 23 Jul 2003 3:05 pm, Zlatko Savic wrote: > Hi, I am a newbie and I'd like to know what is the best way to update > applications in Linux? I've heard something about urpmi but I am not really > sure how it works or what it is. > > I've attempted to compile sources of newer versions of software (i.e. > alsa-snd-cards), without ever removing the currently installed version and > I had a lot of compiling errors. I don't know if it is better to compile > than to install an RPM. > > There should be a generalized standard in Linux that all applications > adhere to (I.e. the registry in Windows). Of course whatever it is, it > should be better than Winblows. > > Regards, > ZS
urpmi is just the 'backend' command line version of the Mandrake Software Manager GUI in your Mandrake Control Centre. If you prefer to use GUIs then use your Mandrake Software Manager to install the urpmi.setup RPM once it is installed run urpmi.setup from a root terminal and a GUI will appear which will allow you to choose an online update source. Once you have selected an update source (either using urpmi.setup, or the PLF web site others have mentioned) then you can use your Mandrake Software Manager to upgrade your existing packages. As for compiling versus RPMs I would *strongly* advise newbies to stick to RPMS. You will be told by some people how compiling your own will optimise performance to your individual computer. That is only true if you know about setting compiler flags which I doubt. In general my experience is that when newbies compile their own packages they often end up breaking their system. There are sites such as PLF, Texstar, Mandrake Club and Mandrake Contrib who provide recent packages in RPM format which can be installed using your Mandrake Software Manager. As for your comment about a 'registry'. The stock Linux geek response is "We don't need no steenking standards" (Meaning it is the diversity of Linux which is its strength. Bad ideas whither, good ones flourish) In reality there are two major methods of managing packages in Linux. The widely admired Debian 'apt-get' method, and the more widely used but less admired RedHat RPM. Mandrake uses RPM but with the addition of urpmi it becomes comparable to the 'apt-get' approach. BTW: Why did you think it necessary to upgrade your alsa drivers? derek -- ---------------------------------- www.jennings.homelinux.net
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