Mint | Not sure what to do when prompted to keep or overwrite config files
 

After doing an apt-get upgrade and all packages are being updated, I am asked to keep or overwrite the config files. I don't know how to answer this question because I don't know what the original config files look like and what's different from the newer ones. When I use other linuxes, they never ask me this question during a global package upgrade. Only mint and other buntus do this.

Help, sign lost :/

worry less, fun more...
 

1. There is almost always an option to look at the D/Diff report on the two files. That, if you know what you are looking at, will show you the changes.
2. If you have not custom configured a package, trust the maintainers new version and allow the overwrite. Generally the old config file is saved for reference (as .old or .back or something, I forget: I have not worried about this for a LONG time). This is the correct choice most of the time.
3. If you HAVE custom configured a package, do NOT allow the overwrite. Note down the file name and location, and go look later. The new version will be there renamed to prevent the overwrite, and you can port any improvements into your current config file at your leisure.

Overwrite the newer config files and keep the custom config files. That seems logical. Thank you wpeckham

;-)

I keep any config files that I have modified and overwrite the others.

Got backup?
Most of the overwrites happen after installed files have changed and in /etc/ or under.
I usually accept the default answer.