> > Thanks Derek, tis a lot clearer now . > But , pray, tell this newbie , what is a "contrib", > What's the difference between the various RPM, RPMS,and I already know > SCRPM is source code rpm's , and any others. > > I find the various long list of rpm types confusing. > > John
Contrib is the name of a folder on a Mandrake Mirror. For example look at ftp://ftp.rediris.es/pub/linux/distributions/mandrake/9.1 You will see it contains a folder called i586/Mandrake/RPMS That folder is the 'main' distribution. It contains exactly the same packages as the download CDs. (I have broadband so I use it instead of the CDs) You can also see a folder /contrib/RPMS This folder contains all the packages which are not part of the 'official' Mandrake distro, but which have been 'contributed' by various individuals who may even be Mandrake staff members. Contrib contains literally hundreds of really useful packages (such as Sylpheed) The packages in Contrib will not change. They represent a 'snapshot' . To get updated versions of these apps you have to look in places like texstar, mandrake club, or the download sites of individuals. (Or compile your own) (You will notice that the i586/Mandrake/RPMS2 folder is in fact a symlink pointing to /contrib/RPMS so these folders are both the same thing. ) derek -- ---------------------------------- www.jennings.homelinux.net
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