* Bob Proulx (bob@proulx.com) [020723 00:41]: > > I'd change that cron script so that the update runs a download-only. > > Agreed. > > [...] > > ...and run 'apt-get -s dist-upgrade' by hand to see what's actually > > going to happen, and a final committment when you're comfortable with > > the plan. > > Pardon me but I have to play devils advocate here. What would be > indications from 'apt-get -s dist-upgrade' that would make one > uncomfortable with it? Pretty much for any upgrade you will see a > long list of packages which will get upgraded. What would be in > indication that one would not want to upgrade? I am playing > inquisitor but this is a serious question. Generally if you're running stable, you should only see security updates. If you suddenly see a long list of packages, something may be wrong with your sources.list and/or apt/preferences causing an accidental upgrade to testing/unstable. That is a rare case, I know. Otherwise, it's not bad practice to just prepare yourself to see what will be happening. If your X is being upgraded a major version, it's probably something you want to make sure you have plenty of time to fix in case something should go wrong. Perhaps a new version of a package includes a buggy Conflicts: line that will uninstall packages you don't want removed. There are a thousand different ways this process can lead you down a rocky path, so it never hurts to survey the path before running down it. good times, Vineet -- http://www.doorstop.net/ -- One nation, indivisible, with equality, liberty, and justice for all.
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