Jump to content

Updating - Best Practices?


drjonesac2
 Share

Recommended Posts

Greetings,

I have been using Mandrake since version 8.0. I am very happy I have found a forum that is dedicated to Mandrake users, maybe now I won't get people telling me to try a different distro. Anyway here is the problem:

 

I find the methods for keeping up to date on security patches and bug fixes to be a little daunting. So daunting that I have never attempted to update my system in the past. I am also on a dial-up connection (Broadband not available) so wasting a bunch of time getting irrelevent patches is not something I want to do. I have recently installed Mandrake 10 CE and want to patch it. I have found few solutions but I have questions on the methods and which one is best.

 

Solution 1: Using The Update Feature in Mandrake Control Center

 

This seems to be the easiest way, but I have a few questions.

 

There never seems to be any "Security" updates, only "Bug fixes". I am updating the mirror to make sure I have the latest info but everything seems to be grouped under "Bug Fixes". I have even tried to use different mirrors, all with the same result. Does anyone know why this is?

 

The updates that are listes seem to be relevent to my system but I am not quite sure I need to get all of them. I am not familiar with EVERY package that is on my system nor do I want to be. Does the Mandrake installer "know" what packages I have and giving me a list of relevent updates or is the list of updates just a hodge podge of everything I don't have on my system?

 

Solution 2: Using urpmi

 

I found a post out there that advised using urpmi to get updates. They suggest to go to urpmi.org choose easyurpmi and get a list of downloads there. This method does give you an option to include PLF as a source but I find this method confusing. So my question is "Does urpmi "know" what I have and give me only relevent updates?"

 

Finally does any one have another suggestion? What method do you use to keep your system up to date?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm glad your asking this question, because I had a similiar/

 

I do know that using sythesis.something.something will save bandwidth instead of the normal.something.

 

I beleive Urpmi --auto-select will select only relevant packages, but you'll have to ask someone that knows better than me. :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the update in mandrake control center is nothing more than a front end to urpmi.

 

basically what happens is mandrake update/urpmi --auto-select starts off with rpm -qa to scan the entire system for the rpms on the system and their version numbers, then compares that to the list on the ftp sources in your urpmi/mandrake update list. once the comparison is made it then knows which rpms to present you as updates.

 

to help you understand urpmi and mandrake update/rpmdrake read this http://www.rpm.org/max-rpm/ (yes i know its alot of read. enjoy :P ) since urpmi is an extension off of rpm it makes sence to study rpm.

 

for urpmi http://www.linux-mandrake.com/cooker/urpmi.html and http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/eggnbacon/docs/...o/overview.html

Edited by linux_learner
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why dont we look at the FAQs?

 

http://www.mandrakeusers.org/index.php?showtopic=10600

 

Is a very detailed faq on urpmi, covers all your questions.

 

 

http://www.mandrakeusers.org/index.php?showtopic=10611

 

Is a faq on synthesis.hdlist

 

 

 

All you need to know about urpmi is in the Faqs 8)

Edited by iphitus
Link to comment
Share on other sites

we might could help if you tell us the make and model :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

oh, and something else to consider.....if you have nvidia, kernel-sources can sometimes disappear and be hard to find. Using the above method allows you to always have the kernel and kernel-source on your hd should any problems arise from updates. :D Or to keep the source tree in tact you can

cd /usr/src

tar -czf kernel<version>.tar.gz linux<version>

mv kernel<version>.tar.gz /to/your/bkup/kernel<version>.tar.gz

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...