During package installation, dpkg will print messages like: Selecting previously deselected package libsasl2. (Reading database ... 8724 files and directories currently installed.) Unpacking libsasl2 (from .../libsasl2_2.1.19-1.5_sparc.deb) ... Selecting previously deselected package libldap2. Unpacking libldap2 (from .../libldap2_2.1.30-3_sparc.deb) ... Selecting previously deselected package setserial. Unpacking setserial (from .../setserial_2.17-39_sparc.deb) ... The misleading part is the "previously deselected" part of the messages. "Deselected" IMO implies that the user in the past made a conscious choice either to not install the package or to remove it after having previously been installed. However, these messages are also shown on new installations where the only choice the user has ever made is to _install_ the packages. (This issue was taken from a comment in an installation report, but also something I had noticed myself previously.) Note that this same string is also shown for packages that were removed but still have config files on the system. Does "deselected" indeed imply a past action by the user? How could the string best be improved? Suggestions: - Selecting previously unselected package $package. - Selecting $package for installation. - Preparing to install $package ... The last suggestion is analogous to the message shown on upgrades: Preparing to replace manpages 2.01-1 (using .../manpages_2.02-1_all.deb) ... Unpacking replacement manpages ... Cheers, Frans Pop
Attachment:
pgpw9eFpMkKcO.pgp
Description: PGP signature