How do you usually manage packages on your debian system?

I don't use debian, just debian based, for now.

I loved apt-get so much that I replaced Mandrake with Ubuntu first. Then I went with pure Debian and I don't plan on looking back.

cuiq:

What made you go from Ubuntu to Debian? I've been using Mandrake 2005 LE for about a month and like it a lot, but I've heard a lot of people talking about Debian based distros. What sets them apart from the rest in your opinion?

Well, amdrake,
1)- I find Mandriva is REALLY bloated.
2)- Debian based distro's give you a better feel of control.
3)- Could you use Mandriva as a server? (I'm sure you can, but why when there is better stuff.
4)- Your taste.

The only way YOU will ind out is to try Debian/Debian based.

ctkroeker:

I will try one. Is Ubuntu a good place to start? I prefer GUI based package installation.

Thanks!

A few years ago I bought Debian Woody, but I had such a hard time with the install that I gave up. Since then I have tried many different types of distros with their various installs.

Ubuntu gave me a better feel for the Debian install. So I took the plunge.

To be completely honest I still have Ubuntu installed on one of my hard drives, but I have about 20 hard drives laying around all with various linux distros on them.

I have two 'puters one is my main (Debian) the other is for testing.

What set Debian or Debian based distros apart for me was the apt package manager for me that was way better than rpm dependency round robin.

amdrake

If you decide you want to use Ubuntu, after you install it go to this site.

http://ubuntuguide.org/

Believe me when I tell you it is a very, very good source of information.

LOL...what debian user uses RPM? RPMs are so yesterday.

Hey, occasionally I have used an rpm on my Debian box. The command is simply

pcghost@neptune$> alien packagename.rpm
packagename.deb created.

Thanks for that tidbit Pcghost

Your very welcome.

I was actually quite surprised how well alien works. It is rare to find something in RPM format that hasn't been packaged for Debian years ago, but occasionally, like the Novel client for linux, Alien has been a life saver.

Usually apt-get but also Synaptic when I'm searching for something I need a more detailed description. And indeed, alien is a pretty handy tool.
One thing though, dinojerm, your poll is about packages, deb files in Debian, and I'd say compiling from source doesn't fit as a voting option.

kpackage is missing in the poll.

apt-get if I know what to install exactly
synaptic - for browsing packages searching and performing more complex installation tasks.