[SOLVED] what is {this package} and why do I want/need it?

sgosnell · 12-15-2015, 04:28 PM

And the standard non-LTS versions of Ubuntu are based on Debian Unstable...

joe_2000 · 12-15-2015, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgosnell

And the standard non-LTS versions of Ubuntu are based on Debian Unstable...

My wording was inaccurate. What I was referring to with "Debian - unstable based distro" were distros that have their apt sources.list point at the Debian unstable repos. Clearly those need a more careful look when upgrading than Ubuntu does.

sgosnell · 12-15-2015, 08:19 PM

I'm not sure that's the case. Ubuntu was pretty unstable when I used it, but I've long since abandoned it, so maybe it's better now. I would never rely on it, though. I run Sid on my desktop and have had no issues. Sid did break once a couple of years ago, but it was fixed in a couple of days. Testing, OTOH, breaks badly more often. But clearly if you're running a system where reliability is essential, you should not be running Unstable or Testing. Debian Stable is where I go for those.

joe_2000 · 12-16-2015, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgosnell

I'm not sure that's the case. Ubuntu was pretty unstable when I used it, but I've long since abandoned it, so maybe it's better now. I would never rely on it, though. I run Sid on my desktop and have had no issues. Sid did break once a couple of years ago, but it was fixed in a couple of days. Testing, OTOH, breaks badly more often. But clearly if you're running a system where reliability is essential, you should not be running Unstable or Testing. Debian Stable is where I go for those.

I'm running Mint (which points to Ubuntu repos) on all computers of my family. It updated flawlessly for years now.

SaintDanBert · 12-16-2015, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGIB

My lightweight Buntu system has 1438 packages installed, many are just part of the base system. If you want total control, about all you can do is install a basic (no-x) net install system and add each package you want individually...

Agreed ...
Given the Linux/*nix tendency to use cute or cryptic names for software, for example alacarte, crdskin, freepats, grads, ... one needs some way to ask [highlight]What is {packagename} and why would I want to use it?]/highlight] for packages that they have not yet installed.

Let me ask my question in a different way. Is there some way to query the repositories or the internet about the details of a known {packagename} for packages that are not installed on the current workstation?

NGIB · 12-16-2015, 05:16 PM

Google is your friend, seriously. Type in a package name and read what comes up. BTW, alacarte is a menu editor that works very well with XFCE...

SaintDanBert · 12-16-2015, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe_2000

I'm running Mint (which points to Ubuntu repos) on all computers of my family. It updated flawlessly for years now.

I, too, have run Mint-something for many years with precious few update troubles. When they happen, it is usually a broken dependency surrounding changes in the libraries and other subordinate internal parts of the failing package. Typically, these are repaired quickly.

~~~ 0;-Dan

sgosnell · 12-17-2015, 03:48 PM

To query the repositories for packages not installed, use apt-cache search in a terminal, as in

Code:

apt-cache search packagename

That gives you very basic information about the package, installed or not.

Code:

apt-cache policy packagename

will tell you whether the package is installed, and if not, whether it's installable.

Fred Caro · 12-17-2015, 08:05 PM

You could simulate an update to see if there might be problems, with:

Quote:

apt-get -s upgrade

It seems curlish to complain about lack info on packages/upgrades when other os's give you nothing by way of info.

fred.

SaintDanBert · 12-20-2015, 06:52 PM

Friends and colleagues, thanks to all who took the time to reply.
It seems that the following meets my original requirement:

Code:

prompt$  apt-cache show {packagename}

Joyeux Nol,
~~~ *<;-} Dan