Updates From Debian

A couple of people noted that "Linuxlookup.com is reporting the third update of Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 (codename `woody') which mainly adds security updates to the stable release, along with a few corrections to serious problems. Those who frequently update from security.debian.org won't have to update many packages and most updates from security.debian.org are included in this update." Another reader writes "Looks like the Debian project just released their old stable distribution (woody) with a huge numbers of security updates, some removals and some less critical bugfixes. It's been a long time that we had to wait for it, the last update was in November last year, together with the break-in." And finally: pkarlos_76 writes "What's holding up Debian Sarge from release to stable? It's those lazy maintainers..... no actually it's just a few issues with security and bugs being quashed, and maybe you can help speed things up, especially if you are a maintainer, as your package will be left out if release candidate bugs are not fixed. Sarge Release Status Update available on Debianhelp . Even if you aren't a maintainer, any help with bug quashing, picking up orphaned packages or what not is always a Good Thing.

Comments

Oh Debian, I don't know what to think

[Hoplite3]

Debian's strategy of rock-solid releases is something that makes the distro unique. It also doesn't make it much fun. If you want modern packages, you often have to hang out with the "unstable" crowd, rather than the "testing" crowd. But this is like being signed up for regular crotch-kicks, since unstable breaks systems on a practically weekly basis. This, plus dependency creep, makes anything but "stable" debian sort of a drag.

Stable Debian, on the other hand, is a nice thing. I've always admired Debian's power structure and community focus, but I've been so much happier with my hobby computer when I switched to a more "I-think-I'm-an-expert-but-really-I'm-an-idiot" distro like gentoo. For binary distros, I think there's a big pack of modern flashy desktop ones that eat Debian's lunch. Debian's idealism might end up side-lining it in the Linux world.

Re:Oh Debian, I don't know what to think

[shrykk]

Yeah, but Debian is used as the sprinboard for a bunch of other distros (e.g. Knoppix) because of its stability and dependability.

That could be its main strength.

Re:What Debian good for...

[TigrOoOo]

I work for a company that makes Linux "embedded" systems. First choice (and only choice) - Debian. One of our servers mirrors the Debian FTPs early in the morning, one hour later all the desktop machines sync with it. All the servers run Debian stable and rely on the security fixes. The systems that we sell all have stable on them too. The development platforms run on testing, and for the hardcore users, we also use unstable. Everything works fine. Sometimes an unstable machine will be, well, unstable, but I have never seen a "stable" give any problems whatsoever. In the beginning we made sure that the updates went well. 3 years later, we don't even bother looking. The installer is text, granted. dselect is a nightmare for beginners, granted. But the systems work, as in really, really work.

Going on 8 years...

[misleb]

I've had the same install of Debian on my desktop at work for 7 years. I use it exclusively. No Windows on this machine at all. It has been copied onto a larger harddrive, the motherboard/CPU has been upgraded twice, and I've 'apt-get dist-upgrade'd to new stable releases over the years, but it is the same installation." I don't know if this is a "selling point" but it is a sign that Debian is a solid, consistent, and upgradable base. The "purity" of the licensing is just a bonus for GNU geeks.

-matthew