Debian mixing stable with testing. Now, I have 1GB of updates :(

blackdragonblood · 12-15-2009, 09:19 AM

I started experimenting with mixing stable with testing. I was able to install a newer version of openarena as expected. However, now I'm told that I have 1GB of updates. I intended testing to be used on a "when I say so" basis. I'm not sure how to fix this issue.

preferences:

Code:

Package: *
Pin release a=stable
Pin-priority: 700

Package: *
Pin release a=testing
Pin-priority: 650

sources.list

Code:

# 
# deb cdrom:[Debian GNU/Linux 5.0.3 _Lenny_ - Official i386 NETINST Binary-1 20090906-12:06]/ lenny main

#deb cdrom:[Debian GNU/Linux 5.0.3 _Lenny_ - Official i386 NETINST Binary-1 20090906-12:06]/ lenny main

deb http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ lenny main non-free contrib
deb-src http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ lenny main non-free contrib

deb http://security.debian.org/ lenny/updates main non-free contrib
deb-src http://security.debian.org/ lenny/updates main non-free contrib

deb http://volatile.debian.org/debian-volatile lenny/volatile main non-free contrib
deb-src http://volatile.debian.org/debian-volatile lenny/volatile main non-free contrib

#Testing, enabled for pinning and mixing
deb http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ testing main non-free contrib
deb-src http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian testing main non-free contrib

David the H. · 12-15-2009, 11:36 AM

Keeping a mixed system is more than just throwing together different repositories. You have to be very careful how you manage things.

See here for details:
http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/ap...efault-version

blackdragonblood · 12-15-2009, 08:59 PM

adding an apt.conf has fixed the issue.

Thanks!

pliqui · 12-16-2009, 10:06 AM

Hello,

I always have 2 links about apt-pinning, the issue in linux is when you have a problem, you fix it or script it, etc and then the problem is gone for ever, so your brain can concentrate in new problems and challenges

But Later when you reinstall, upgrade or your pc broke out and want to apply the same solution you simply cannot remember it, so this couple of links are that case, hope you like

The 1st guide is from a fellow LQ member, excellent tutorial

Rickh's Debian Mixed System

Apt-Pinning for Beginners

David the H. · 12-16-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pliqui

But Later when you reinstall, upgrade or your pc broke out and want to apply the same solution you simply cannot remember it ...

I long ago started keeping notes on what I learn for just this reason. I mostly use kjots for this, which lets me organize them into categorized pages. But of course even a paper notebook would do.

Another option is to post your findings here, under the success stories forum, say, which means others can benefit from it as well.

The only problem I still have is when I don't think something is important enough to keep track of and so don't bother to file it away. That's when I inevitably forget exactly how I did it and wish I had.

milomak · 12-16-2009, 05:30 PM

that's strange. I run a testing system with unstable pinned to a lower priority. I have never had issues with unstable being dragged in when I wasn't expecting it.