Some swear by RPM, others by DEB.

Really though, can someone tell me what the difference is?
I've used RPM, and to be honest, I find it a pain in the butt a lot of the time. Noting that I am a newbie, I've no doubt I'd feel the same about DEB - But I've yet to try it and see.


So, really, what are the differences and which is the better?

Thanks

Its just their package system used to package applications and binary files to place in the appropiate locations to install, etc.

RPM is best with RPM based systems like Redhat, Suse, Mandrake and many others. DEB is best suited for Debian based systems. To me there really is no advantage or disadvantage for either, just depends on what system your on.

I swear by tgz packages for Slackware or just install by source most of the time, I think those are better than RPM and DEB packages.

Its just all a matter of preference and choice. Install Redhat and use RPM and then install Debian and use its packaging system, see which one you like best and prefer, cause your only going to get opinions on any site like this asking such questions.

I swear by Gentoo's package management Portage emerge.

I have used slackware packages, and RPM packages..
and nothing even comes close to the gentoo way !

with gentoo, installing anything for example, tuxracer is as simple as "emerge tuxracer"

gentoo will then calculate dependency's, , automatically download all dependentcy's, configure and ocmpile them optimised for your machine. then done..... EASY !

Like I said, everyone is going to have their own opinion and preference. Try both, try all, then you'll know which one you like.