RE: [TCLUG:15263] Reading Red Hat rpms vs deb

[Tim Neu <tim@tneu.visi.com>]

I'm going go generalize a little bit, but: 

.debs are much smarter than rpms and handle package relationships better.

For example, if you install both the acroread and netscape rpm files, you
have to programs - acrobat & netscape.   Both do not interoperate without
additional configuration.. (besides perhaps adding a .pdf mime type). 

On debian, the acrobat reader .deb file sees that netscape is installed,
and sets itself up automatically as a netscape plugin (so you can view PDF
files inline in your browser).  Same thing with RealAudio player (in the
unstable tree, at least).  This is just one example; however in general
the package system is much smarter in debian. 

Plus, Debian's "apt" program has one advantage that redhat's "rpmfind"
doesn't - Debian's gets package dependancies right (and finds needed
dependancies!) 99.999% of the time.  (unless perhaps you are pointing to
the unstable tree).  If I had a dollar for every time "rpmfind" couldn't
find a dependancy...

Several other advantages:

1.  Debian's package managment system is smart enough to do an ENTIRE
UPGRADE from an old version of debian to a newer version online (without
re-installing). 

If for some reason a dependancy is not present (bad ftp mirror, missing
file, etc) and is required for an upgrade, then all things with that
dependancy will be "held back" until the dependancy is available.  

I realize rpm does dependancy checking too, however; I do not believe
their package managment system is "good enough" to do a whole system
upgrade online...  Nor does it try to "fix" the problems that it does
find.  If there is a missing dependancy that doesn't exist in the rpm
database, you're stuck.  

2.  Debian's package managment system allows you to, for example, point to
the stable package tree for your whole system, then only upgrade packages
of your choosing.   

I.e. you could have debian's stable distribution, but then tell it to
upgrade gnome to a newer version in the unstable package tree.  Any
libraries needed for the new version of the program would be automatically
upgraded - without reqiring upgrading the whole system.

3.  If you stick to the basic apt-get commands, debian will not let you
hose your system.  (rpm tries not to let you, but does occasionally -
especially if you change library versions...)

4.  Debian is true Open Source.  

Don't get me wrong, I applaud Redhat as a company, I just don't care for
their package managment system.  RPM was the best thing since sliced bread
when it first came out, but now IMHO it's age is showing... 

If you like the "ease of use" of redhat, but want the package managment of
Debian, try Stormix...  

(Stormix is based on Debian, but only works on desktops.  Debian, of
course works on desktops & laptops).   Corel also has the Debian package
managment system, however; I haven't had a chance to install it yet... 

I hope that's enough!  It was for me! 
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
______         _ __         "If you don't have the freedom to use what you
  /           ' )  )               own - then you do not own anything."    
 / o ______    /  / _  . .    No apologies to Jack Valenti or the MPAA
/ <_/ / / <   /  (_</_(_/_  -- tneu@visi.com / http://www.visi.com/~tneu --

On Tue, 28 Mar 2000, Schlough, Mark wrote:

> Hello all,
> 
> I've seen many-a-message complaining about the "evility" of rpms.  I've even
> asked for a side by side comparison of rpm vs deb but never gotten a
> response.
> 
> Maybe I could ask it this way.
> 
> What's missing/wrong with rpms?
> or 
> What's deb got that rpm doesn't
> 
> If you wan't to rant--- that's cool, just don't muddy-up the list too much.
> 
> 
> Mark
> 
> (rummaging around for my asbestos suit.....)
> 
> 
> P.S. I have to use outleak for my mail client at work (against better
> judgement)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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