Re: XFree 4

[Michel <mi...@da...>]

On Sun, 2002-04-21 at 12:55, David Jones wrote:
> Hi Michel,
> On 20-Apr-02, you wrote:
>=20
> On Fri, 2002-04-19 at 20:32, David Jones wrote:=20
>=20
> > Thanks for the help but I am still not clear
> > I have a working Debian system but currently run XFree 3. I want to
> > get XFree upgraded to version 4.=20
> >=20
> > On 19-Apr-02, you wrote: #>Just apt-get install xserver-xfree86, but
> > it will likely upgrade a# #>lot of other stuff due to dependencies.#
> >=20
> > When I try the upgrade I am told that a lot of packages will be
> > REMOVED (eg. Abiword, Gimp, Mozilla, all my gnome stuff and lots of
> > other smaller packages) Is this necessary?
>=20
> #>If it wasn't, apt wouldn't remove them. ;) Well, actually, it#
> #>probably means you can either upgrade or remove them.#
> ##
> > If so why, and is it just a matter of reinstalling from cd later,
> > and then updating them online.
> > I have a slow online connection and so don't want to waste time and
> > energy with unnecessary downloads.
>=20
> #>So upgrade the packages you need and let the others be removed.#
> 1.If I installed the deleted packages from CD later would they work?=20

Not if those are the packages apt wants to remove.

> 2.Can I specify what packages I would like to upgrade individually,
> instead of an "apt-get dist-upgrade" which leaves me with a 160mb
> download.

Sure, apt-get install the packages you want to upgrade.

> 3.The majority of the packages that will be deleted are ones I use,
> could I put them on hold using dselect before commencing the XFree
> upgrade and then "unhold" them when XFree has been done. Or is it not
> as simple as this.

This may work, at least for some packages.

> 4.What I don't want to do is upgrade XFree and then find all the
> software I regularly use won't work without masses of time online
> downloading upgrades.

So try step by step and go back if you find out something doesn't work.
You should have the old packages in /var/cache/apt/archives/ or on CD.

> 5.Any help with simplifying this process would be great.

A simple solution to a complex problem? Sure, easy. ;)

> 6.If I completed my current "apt-get dist-upgrade" (145mb) and then
> attempted the XFree upgrade would packages not need to be deleted.

Try and see.

> Sorry for the number of questions, but I have a dilemma, stay with
> XFree 3 or upgrade. Will it all be worth the wait.

I'd expect it to be, but I can't speak for you.


The bottom line is you'll have to find your own solution to your
problem. Post specific problems you encounter to a Debian list and
you'll get the help you need.


--=20
Earthling Michel D=E4nzer (MrCooper)/ Debian GNU/Linux (powerpc) developer
XFree86 and DRI project member   /  CS student, Free Software enthusiast