Questions about installing software
 

Ok, 2 questions.

1. Am I doing it right when I download my source packages into /usr/local/src? I am doing this, and then unzipping and untarring, and doing my ./configure and make and make install. Opinions?

2. I have seen a lot about "package managers". I have used installpkg a couple of times, but so far I have been compiling almost all the stuff i d/load and use. I have no problem compiling the stuff. But everyone says I should be using swaret or slapt-get or what not. Opinions???

And a pleasant surprise: compiling my stuff from source has been easy. I was prepared to have hell, based on what I read from folks who say to use the package manager. Please, any comments or opinions are welcome!

Cecil

i started compiling, i was using red hat... then i tried debian, with its apt-get stuff.... it's too comfortable... when you need something, you type just one command, and it checks for dependecies, download all the needed, install it and configure it :) try it and you'll love it :)

Swaret is pretty nice, but I wouldn't recommend it for a full system update, I've tried It and It wasn't too good with resolving dependencies, about 3 or 4 programs didn't work after a full system update. I reccomend compiling the packages yourself anyway, you learn faster and in my opinion it's more fun =).

if you're good at following instructions, getting stuff compiled is more like a challenge then a pain. do what you need to do to get software working.

The main advantage using pkgtool/binaries is you can easily remove the software when you are tired up with it and you won't have some unused files around on your computer.
If you want some customisations on certain software (ie special compiling options), you can make the package from sources by yourself, install it, and if required easely remove it.
Ciao