Tim Larkins (EUKSHEL1PO) wrote:
>
> I can't do it!!!!
>
> All I wan't to do is too keep my distiribution upto date with all the latest
> patches to make sure that it runs as smoothly as possible.. but its simply
> not possible! A new patch arrives every 2 days! I'm on a dial up
Um, if you don't mind me saying so that's a really cack-handed
approach. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Sure, take major upgrades
(skip every other one); get 5.0, 5.2, 5.4 and so on, but forget
5.000001, 5.275829174637726175984 and all the other incremental
changes...
...UNLESS you are having problems with a specific element. Upgrade ppp
if it's bust. Replace your mailing system if it doesn't work. Get the
next version of the editor if it crashes. Upgrade the X subsystems if
you buy a new card that is supported in your version+delta but not in
your version. Get the VFAT upgrade if you've got a Lose95 disk (sorry
but I can't bring myself to associate the word "win" with that
termite-mound)
Incremental changes are, if the developer has any sense, tested against
a standard installation. Two incremental changes therefore (to
different elements) are not necessarily tested against each other.
Major releases are given major amounts of testing. There's no saying
what sort of system you'll end up with if you take 5.0 and add ALL the
incremental changes... (Actually it might be better to take the others
if you really want a reliable system; 5.1, 5.3 etc. A major version
e.g.5.0 is released to a deadline and released with bugs; 5.1 fixes the
worst of those bugs. 5.2 will have a stack of new features, a deadline
and some bugs. 5.3 will fix the worst.)
Upgrade only what you need to upgrade. An incremental change to package
A may require an incremental release of package B; if you need A then
you must get B. These will be tested against each other and will work
okay. Don't just apply patches willy-nilly to your system. That will
NOT ensure your system runs as smoothly as possible! If anything it
will guarantee that your system will have the bumpiest possible ride!
Dave.
--
PLEASE read the Red Hat FAQ, Tips, Errata and the MAILING LIST ARCHIVES!
http://www.redhat.com/RedHat-FAQ /RedHat-Errata /RedHat-Tips /mailing-lists
To unsubscribe: mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] with
"unsubscribe" as the Subject.
