RPM across distros

linmix · 06-19-2004, 04:37 AM

There are a couple of functions missing on the distro I've currently installed. I've got a RedHat 6.0 distro that includes some of these functions (gcc, make, glibc-devel, etc). Since the rpm packages don't indicate (in their name) that they are RedHaat specific, could I safely use them on my SuSE distro?

ahh · 06-19-2004, 07:30 AM

This is quite an old version of Red Hat, but quite a new version of SuSE. I don't think it would be a good idea.

Much better to download the correct packages from SuSE.

linmix · 06-19-2004, 01:45 PM

Point is, since I'm on a pay as you go slowcoach internet connection anything I can get otherwise is a huge advantage...

ahh · 06-19-2004, 06:25 PM

Well I can't see that it would do any harm to try it, you can always remove the rpm if it doesn't work. It shouldn't break anything. But I would think a lot of programs will expect a newer version to compile. I really think you should consider downloading the SuSE rpms, or maybe getting someone else to do it for you if it is not possible on your system.

linmix · 06-20-2004, 10:26 AM

Got 2 Fedora Core 2 cds with a mag last saturday and used the rpm's of those cd's. Works perfect (so far).
I think (correct me if I'm wrong) I should be OK as long as I only use "generic" RPMs (the ones that don't include the distro name).

foo_bar_foo · 06-20-2004, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by linmix
(correct me if I'm wrong) I should be OK as long as I only use "generic" RPMs (the ones that don't include the distro name).

no that's not actually that correct
different distributions may compile things in vastly different ways
the choices during configuration are endless
use different configuration directories etc.
also subtle differences between different compilers or different
versions of glibc may make binaries for one distribution incompatable with another distribution
i don't use rmps but i think there are no such things as generic rpms

but if it ain't broke go for it !