Updating Slackware Packages
 

What is a good way to keep the Slackware packages current?

Is there a script with Slackware that does auto updates and/or installs?

Thanks

There are several utilities to do this, (take a look at the /extras directory or search the web, i don't want to mention anyone) however be carefull because they don't do everything automagically for you (no dependence checking, etc) so you should also read the ChangeLog also to see if there's something that you have to do manually.

you can use slapt-get. an imitatation of debian's apt-get.

Re: Updating Slackware Packages
 

The best way is to keep an eye on the changelog and download and upgrade the packages manually as they are released. The only downside to this approach is, of course, that it's quite time-consuming. Which brings us on to...
Not in the official distribution, but there are a few third-party tools that might be what you're looking for. SWareT, Slapt-get, SlackPkg and possibly a few others all try to add package management features to Slackware, but be warned that they can be unreliable, especially if you assume that they will do everything automagically. Some people have no trouble with them at all, but others have been less lucky.

Yes, PLEASE read the current changelog before making any package upgrades from the official mirrors, and ALWAYS view any new config files that are created. Slackware requires that you take a part in managing your own system, and if you are negligent there can be issues that develop.

Great advice, thank you =)

Do you think it's just better to fetch current software packages from linuxpackages.net then install with installpkg or upgradepkg? That way I shouldn't run into too many problems, right?

Thanks again

use an official mirror

I just keep a copy of slack-current using rsync on an extra partition. I also wrote a little script using the find, file, ldd, grep, and gawk commands that checks to see if all the dependencies are satisfied for the binaries and libraries. I don't use any slackpkg or swaret stuff. No need. I think it just makes things more complicated.

hey that sounds cool... could you share the script with us please??

Use slapt-get, it will save you some time!
about SWareT, I don't have a good experience with it.!


good luck!!!

I use both slapt-get and swaret but prefer slapt-get for a few technical reasons...

I'll also parrot the official mirror mantra.

If you want to update the package LIST (but not actually install new packages) automatically you can add this script to /etc/cron.weekly/update-slapt-swaret. It's written for swaret and slapt-get since I run both.

Then you can run a slapt-get --upgrade at your convenience and check which new packages there might be to install.

I use kpackage to keep informed of whats new in current and/or patches.