Bug#721112: [debian-faq] Tells users to use unstable, claims it's got all the latest and greatest software
Package: debian-faq
Version: 5.0.2
Severity: serious
X-Debbugs-Cc: debian-user@lists.debian.org
X-Debbugs-Cc: debian-qa@lists.debian.org
The FAQ has caught my attention at section 3.1.5 "Could you tell me whether to install testing or unstable?", which reads:
My[!!!] personal order of preference is Stable, Unstable and Testing.
This led me to review the rest of section 3.1, which is horrifying. The most misleading advice seems to be in the introduction:
If you are a desktop user with some experience in Linux and does not mind facing the odd bug now and then, use unstable. It has all the latest and greatest software, and bugs are usually fixed swiftly.
This chapter was dumped from a FAQ focused on the topic written by a user ( http://anonscm.debian.org/viewvc/ddp/manuals/trunk/debian-faq/choosing.sgml?revision=4811&view=markup ). It had some work from jfs. It is now distributed in all suites and visible on the website. While other parts may not be just wrong, some also show unacceptable lack of judgment. The entire chapter (except perhaps 3.2) should be reviewed as soon as possible. If this should take time, please remove for the time being.
I believe a section on suites deserves a place in the FAQ. We do receive lots of questions about suites, and none of them is perfect. However, the topic is very delicate. Nobody wants to use unstable (nobody reading the FAQ anyway). I'm not opposed to suggesting testing, in particular if stable doesn't support the reader's hardware. But even this should be discussed, as testing doesn't have permanent security support. I'm also open to suggest usage of unstable, but only for cherry-picking solutions. We could explain testing/unstable mixes, but that's tricky.
Suites are also discussed in chapter 6.
--
Filipus Klutiero
http://www.philippecloutier.com
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