keeping slackware 11 up-to date
 

Hi
I've just installed Slackware 11_can anyone tell me how to keep my progs up-to-date.
I'm only used to Debian_Is there an update program which I have missed on Slack or is it still Swaret which is dated 2004 when I looked. Thanks:study:

Have a look at slackpkg. It's in the extra/slackpkg directory of your installation DVD (I'm not sure which disk of the CDs that is). Just make sure you check the change log before applying updates so you don't get bitten by dependency problems (new packages, changed libraries, etc.).

I believe that's disk 2, just in case you're using CDs. ;)

If you are coming from Debian, you would probably be more comfortable with slapt-get; a clone of apt-get designed for Slackware.

Slapt-get and swaret are comfortable tools, but should use them with care (explained with slapt-get).

"Original" Slackware packages don't support dependency checking, slapt-get does. Now, if you install a package from a repository like LinuxPackages.net with slapt-get, the tool will resolve any dependencies, install what's missing, and update all libraries that are not current enough for the package you want to install. Sometimes, system libraries of the original distro are replaced that way.

One consequence is that you can't apply security patches and other fixes provided by Pat V. for the original distribution, any more.

This may not be a problem, depending on your situation it may even exactly be what you want. You just should know that.

gargamel

Many thanks for all your information on up-dating Slackware. I just thought Slack might have had an in- built updater on 11.0.

As I have just updated my computer to an AMD2 motherboard I have once again been trying different distros to see which is up-to-date with 64 bit computing.
Thanks

To clarify this: There are scripts like slackupdate and tools like slapt-get, or the officially supported slackpkg that make it really easy to keep your system up-to-date. Really easy.

If you want to run them automatically, you can create a cronjob, eg. I just wanted to make clear that you should know what you are doing. This includes that it is usually a good idea to either

- read the changelogs of any patch or update before applying it and then install/upgrade manually or
- exclude all critical stuff like kernel and system libraries from automated updates or
- both (the best way)

BTW, slapt-get (and probably swaret, too) can be configured to only use officially supported software, ie updates and patches for the packages that come with the standard distribution prepared by the Slackware team. In other words: You can exclude any 3rd party software repositories.

To make it totally clear: Tools like slapt-get and swaret are fine, but in order not to unintentionally spoil your installation you should carefully read what they exactly do. These tools can provide a lot of comfort, and have never caused problems for me. But some degree of paranoia is healthy here. ;-)

gargamel