Removing packages and their configuration files. (Linux Lite-Ubuntu 12.04 LTS)
 

Greetings all.

I was looking at the settings in Synaptic Package Manager and when I navigate to <Preferences>, under the "General" tab, there is the Removal of Packages option. This option gives two choices; Completely and Keep Configuration.

My question is, if the package is removed what is the sence of keeping the configuration files? Is there any harm in removing those files?

Thank you in advance.

Joe

You may want to keep the configuration files as backups because you could have spent a lot of time configuring those files so when you remove the package it won't assume you want to get rid of your hard work. I would back them up in case you need to re-install the package later so you don't have to run through the how-to again. That's just an example of why they would still be kept.

Thanks cizzi.
That actually makes a lot of sense.

I will change my settings in the preferences menu and backup the files as you suggested.
I normally don't remove a package unless I find something that better fits my needs/requirements.

Thanks again.

Kindest Regards