LinuxQuestions.org
Review your favorite Linux distribution.
Home Forums Tutorials Articles Register
Go Back   LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Linux Forums > Linux - Distributions > Arch
User Name
Password
Arch This Forum is for the discussion of Arch Linux.

Notices


Reply
  Search this Thread
Old 07-10-2011, 12:13 AM   #1
goldlizard
LQ Newbie
 
Registered: Jul 2011
Posts: 2

Rep: Reputation: Disabled
Should I be concerned about the lack of package signing?


I've been distro hopping for a little bit now and I've been looking for something that is lightweight and speedy, and I happened to come across Arch Linux. I read about the lack of package signing that it has, and this has kind of kept me back from installing it onto my main computer.

Also, how about breakage? Should I be worried about that too?

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by goldlizard; 07-10-2011 at 12:15 AM.
 
Old 07-10-2011, 08:09 AM   #2
kilgoretrout
Senior Member
 
Registered: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,987

Rep: Reputation: 388Reputation: 388Reputation: 388Reputation: 388
Package signing is an issue and this shortcoming is being addressed by the Arch developers. The Arch package manager, pacman, is currently being revised to accommodate package signing so it will eventually have package signing. Here's a link to the Arch wiki on this subject:

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php...ackage_signing

I don't know the status but it appears that active development is taking place.

Breakage is an issue with any rolling release distro; they are just inherently less stable and Arch is no exception. If you routinely update any rolling release long enough, sooner or later, something will break. You do have the convenience of not having to reinstall every six months or so but the trade off is less stability. You should make frequent backups of any rolling release and be prepared for something to break. If you are not willing to deal with that, a rolling release is not for you.
 
Old 07-10-2011, 10:08 AM   #3
hitest
Guru
 
Registered: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Distribution: Void, Debian, Slackware
Posts: 7,342

Rep: Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746Reputation: 3746
Quote:
Originally Posted by goldlizard View Post

Also, how about breakage? Should I be worried about that too?

Thanks in advance.
Breakage can occur on occasion. It is prudent to read the available documentation/tips posted on the Arch website about recent updates. On the Arch website they will post fixes to bugs/anomalies that pop up.
 
  


Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off



Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Package signing. Does it really matter? Telengard Linux - Security 14 04-04-2011 08:49 AM
Package signing and verification makix Linux - Security 2 08-10-2007 02:49 PM
should i be concerned (defragment?)... marsques Slackware 6 01-13-2005 12:10 AM
Should I be concerned? LinuxBAH Linux - Security 8 02-07-2004 12:24 PM
should i be concerned Zaius Linux - Newbie 3 01-26-2004 02:40 PM

LinuxQuestions.org > Forums > Linux Forums > Linux - Distributions > Arch

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:07 PM.

Main Menu
Advertisement
My LQ
Write for LQ
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute content, let us know.
Main Menu
Syndicate
RSS1  Latest Threads
RSS1  LQ News
Twitter: @linuxquestions
Open Source Consulting | Domain Registration