Re: Unstable and Testing stability
On Sun February 4 2007 14:49, Michael Pobega wrote:
> I'm currently using Debian Etch (Testing) on my notebook, and it is
> fairly stable in a good sense of the word (Those 100+ release critical
> bugs really aren't bugs that affect me, so my system is perfectly stable
> to my knowledge).
Unstable is just about the same as etch at the moment.
> The only problem I'm seeing with Etch is that the packages are somewhat
> outdated, and certain "bugged" packages aren't available on the repos
> (Checkinstall for an example).
Those packages are more than likely in unstable although there are bugs in
them :)
> My question is just /how/ unstable is Debian Sid? Is it unstable enough
> to make my laptop useless? Or do I have to worry about my files? Or is
> it unstable in the sense of Ubuntu, where everything could be fixed with
> just a little bit of patience and a whole lot of help?
It is (as the name suggests) unstable, but very usable. There are times when
it is hard if not impossible to install but by and large it's useable. There
will be any number of packages that don't work as expected or as you'd like
them to but unstable is where those problems get worked out. You'll still be
able to use your computer as you do now, with all the latest and greatest
software.. but for a small price.. :) Soon gnome 2.16 for example..
After the release of sarge there was an abi change that *REALLY* sucked but we
soon got passed that and now we are just about ready for the Etch
release.. :)
> Sorry if this question seems stupid, but I'm just wondering because I
> know Etch is in freezing and won't be receiving any real updates in the
> near future; So maybe Unstable would be best for home use.
Very good question. Personally I find it very useful, I'm also used to dealing
with bugs. If you don't want bugs you don't want sid. If you don't mind the
odd (sometimes not so odd) bug give it a try and see if it's for you or not.
Sid is not for a production machine or server but is OK for your
desktop/laptop. Bugs come and go, and new bugs come and go and it goes on.
Testing is a lot like unstable but has been tested somewhat. It's not very
often a show stopper will pass through sid and get into testing.
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