Apt-get :: using apt-get to install partimage: fails?
The definitive answer is:
It depends.:D
It is possible to "break" DSL by using 'testing' and upgrading or installing certain packages. Of course it is still possible to do this even with 'oldstable' because DSL uses a non-Debian X Windows server instead of XFree86.
It is possible to install some applications from 'testing' without any trouble. My advice is to look at the packages selected for install (including the dependencies) before "PROCEED"ing and cancel out if you don't like what you see.
For example, if you see XFree86 packages or libc packages on the list, you might want to think twice before pushing the button.
OK, thanks for the information. Will avoid any "X" alterations or stuff that mentions "libc" packages.
However, before receiving your advice, I had a look yesterday at just "upgrading" the synaptic package (from the 'oldstable' to the 'testing' version), what a business! Dear old apt-get informed me that a couple of zillion mbs (joking, but it was a lot) and a dozens (OK, but it was more than 10) of packages would be either installed or upgraded. In addition, it advised that certain "essential" packages would be "switched off" during the process.
So, stopped. Booted another linux distro. Used partimage to backup the working DSL HD install, onto another partition.
Re-started the synaptic upgrade. Apt-get fairly zoomed along, installing this, upgrading that, configuring something else. The apt-get session seemed to conclude without error.
Re-booted DSL. No "X". Got "X" working but all the windows were without frames and scroll bars. In addition, "right-clicking" the desktop did not work.
Re-booted other distro and used partimage to restore DSL.
Resolved to be happy with what has been provided!
Well, at least for a few days!
Regards,
Geoff.
original here.