Alan wrote...
> > What good are src.rpm files? How can I use them, and why would I want
> > to? I don't understand their purpose when they are accompanied by

"Stuart Guthrie @ SLUG" wrote: 
> Source rpms are useful when you need to compile stuff.
> An example for me was recently the installation of sweep from
> sweep.sourceforge.net. Richard Neal posted an excellent install how-to
> for Mandrake including the use of several source RPMs. Without these as
> sweep depends on them, you would not be able to install sweep.

Similarly many users have to compile from source if they have a computer
with an architecture where there is no binary rpm for it. Linux is 
available for 13 different architectures and often there are binary rpms
for only the Intel/AMD and maybe PowerPC. Those with Sparcs and Alphas
sometimes need to compile from source and then there are the several
other wierd artictectures.

Also occasionally compiling from source for your specific CPU chip may
give you a faster running binary.

Mike
-- 
Mike Lake
Uni of Technol., Sydney


UTS CRICOS Provider Code:  00099F

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