glibc - gconv / iconv / locale dependency question
 

Hello all.

I've been googling some information in regards to glibc's gconv, iconv, and locales. From what I gathered is that gconv and iconv handle char. converstions from different langs such as JP -> US and vice versa. While locale handles international lang support for supported NLS programs instead of the author doing all the lang. converstions themselves.

However, are these needed for some applications like Samba if the lang. is only set to one type such as English? I may be asking a totally off question here that very well may have no relivance. I'd appreicate some clarifcation on these matters.

I ask this because I want to setup a very small server where space is an issue with services like samba. Not sure if these are required. I'd hate to break a build because I got space conscious. Any links or comments are greatly appreciated.

I am aware of uClibc but it seems compiling certain applications can be a real headache without the applied patches (if they even exist). I am by no means a programmer, just a hobbiest who loves toying with Linux :-)

Also, I've noticed some programs run ldconfig after install. I have no outside libs in opt, or any X libs installed just GNU libc. Do I need to have ldconfig present to have a running system? What is the actual function or an example of what ldconfigs purpose.

-Justin