I understand that the download edition of Mandrake 2006 does not come with any server packages.

I am currently running LE2005, and am considering upgrading to the download edition of 2006. At present, I use many server packages (mysqul, apache, Jive, Samba server) in a home network environment. I want to continue using these after I upgrade. Also, because I have little free time in consequence of work committments, there is no way that I could possibly undertake a fresh install: I would have to upgrade or do nothing.

What would be the effect on my existing server pacages of installing the download edition DVD ISO of Mandrake 2006 as an upgrade over 2005LE? Would that effect be different if I used an FTP install? Is it even possible to use an FTP install to upgrade, rather than make a fresh install?

I understand that it is possible to download the latest server packages after installation by configuring the package repositories, however, I am concerned about possible problems casued in the upgrade process.

I should be extremely grateful for any help in this regard.

Generally, it's probably a better idea to go ahead and do a fresh install of 2006 rather than trying to upgrade 2005LE. I have used both and I see no reason to upgrade my 2005LE to 2006. Until there is something that 2005 won't do that 2006 will do, I won't upgrade. So my advice is not to upgrade but if you do, do a clean install.

Given my serious time constraints, why is that? What is the purpose of the upgrade option?

Not even the better look; the more recent version of Firefox (I never was able to upgrade it in LE2005); the later version of KDE; the smart package manager; the likely multitude of small but important fixes and enhancements under the bonnet?

Why is it not always better to have the latest software unless there are known issues?

And, anyway, I was not asking whether I should upgrade, but, if I were to upgrade, what the consequences would be for my server packages. Does anybody have the answer to that question?

Backup your config files and essential data (rpm doesn't usually overwrite config files but its best to be safe). Usually upgrades work alright, but in some instances they can get borked so many people tend to recommend a clean install where possible. Personally I have only done a clean install of Mandriva once in the last two years, I upgrade using the discs or urpmi and have never had any major problems.

How would upgrading to 2006 affect my existing server packages?

Does anybody know the answer to my original question?

I thought I gave you enough clues in my post, what else do you need to know?

Ahh, maybe I missed your point. Did you mean that, if I were to perform the backups that you suggested, there should not be a problem for my server packages in upgrading? Would upgrading erase the server packages? If so, I suppose that, if I had the configuration files saved, I could just re-install them, although that might be time-consuming. Would there be anything more to it than a selective restore of the /etc directory?

What are your thoughts on the DVD ISO vs. FTP question?

Thank you for your help :-)

What I meant was that upgrading, would "upgrade" any packages (except third party rpms) you had, but it would be better to back up any important data.

Presumably, it wouldn't upgrade those server packages not included in the 2006 download edition? Would that be a problem? If so, how would I solve it?

And what are your thoughts on whether to upgrade by DVD or FTP?

Yes it will not upgrade packages that are not on the download edition if thats what you are using, so you would have to upgrade them via urpmi when you setup more sources or manually. I don't really think this is a problem since there are other means of upgrading those packages.

As to whether you should upgrade by ftp or dvd, from personal experience its just the same. Using ftp has the advantage that you can configure all the urpmi repos you want, so most if not all of your packages will be upgraded automatically. To do this you would change all your urpmi repos to 2006, then do
Its best to make sure that you are not running KDE and GNOME whilst doing the upgrade because they can get corrupted.

Maybe next time when you ask a question put everything you need to know in your initial post, so that you gat accurate answers right from the beginning.

Hmm, can one URPMI the kernel these days? I thought that kernel upgrading is a slow and arduous process involving lots of complicated things in the console. Is it really as simple as typing those three commands?

Quote:

Maybe next time when you ask a question put everything you need to know in your initial post, so that you gat accurate answers right from the beginning.

Hmm, I did try! Thank you for your help, though.

Why would installing a prebuilt kernel involve lots of complicated things in the console?

Will this also work to upgrade things like the desktop graphical themes?

It upgrades everything except the kernel, thats why you have to install the new kernel at the end.

Excellent!

But will upgrading everything but the kernel not cause problems, or is the kernel upgrade so shortly afterwards that they do not have opportunity to manifest?