DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

DIGIT-ARC / Software / Open Source

I want Freedom! ;)

18 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/i-want-freedom.19362/

N
naveenchandran Original post #1
Nov 26, 2005 at 7:52 PM
I have tried many disros.. :idea:

I now want to try debian.. The Universal OS for the first time! :D

I want to know a few things about the distro....

1. In what ways is a debian distro better than other available distros? like fedora or mandrake or suse.....

2. Debian has long release cycles...
The current one Debian 3.1 (Sarge) has many Outdated packages. Now I think I have to update after installation....

Debian etch is scheduled to release on December 2006! :(

3. I need to download now. Do I need to download Everthing?. I just need only the base. (Or else I have to buy.. How much does the DVDs Cost and How many DVDs?)

4. Morover I want to learn more!. I believe debian would be a suitable distro..

5. Morover can anyone link me to a good tutorial about setting Path in linux. I am confused! :roll: . [Edited]

6. Also how to set LD_LIBRARY_PATH?. How to see the current set paths?

7. Also I need to know more about Symbolic Links... Can anyone give me a good example... of why and where it is used?

Expecting Your Replies! :D
praka123
praka123 #2
Nov 26, 2005 at 8:25 PM
:D Welcome to Debian GNU/Linux club...
1.Debian sarge is rock solid distro u can depend upon +dpkg,debconf config tools better than rpm or .tgz ...
2u need to update using apt-get update OR get etch which is more up2date..unstable distro have freq changing packages...
3.if u got boradband d/l sarge/etch network install cd after the base installed u can update and install the needed packages...
4.debian is!
5.debian linux comes with good documentations installed! or u can refer tldp.org or ibibilio.org for .pdf ones!
6._^^ is that something 2 do with kernel compile?or run time library...can u enlighten me..
7.Symbolic links can be made by " ln -s TARGET [LINK_NAME]"

I believe u know most of the things!
N
naveenchandran #3
Nov 29, 2005 at 3:55 PM
ok I have planned to download etch...

can I get CD's Somewhere?
vignesh
vignesh #4
Nov 29, 2005 at 4:32 PM
Debian has 14 cds or more.The first 3 or 4 should do for the base system with gnome and kDe..Others can be downloaded if you want apps that are not in the first 4..
praka123
praka123 #5
Nov 30, 2005 at 3:06 AM
Getting Debian etch CD is a little difficult @tleast this time as sarge is the major distro from debianu may ask some bb or T1 guys to d/l etch for u or ask online sellers of Linux CD's to download for u....otherwise network install is the option;u can do it in ur night time.. :wink:
N
naveenchandran #6
Nov 30, 2005 at 9:44 AM
well I have BSNL Broadband....

256 kbps How many days do you think it will take to install??
vignesh
vignesh #7
Nov 30, 2005 at 11:41 AM
what is Symbolic links and paths ..Can one of you explain.......
praka123
praka123 #8
Dec 1, 2005 at 3:09 AM
:D simply read "man ln" FYI two types of links; hard and soft/symbolic links
which can be made by "ln -s source target" for hardlink it is "ln [options] source tartget"

@naveenchandran:
6. Also how to set LD_LIBRARY_PATH?. How to see the current set paths?
Click to expand...
is that something to do with prelink?prelink package is available in debian and command is 'prelink' itself...ldconfig is another one...
N
naveenchandran #9
Dec 1, 2005 at 9:52 AM
prakash kerala said:
@naveenchandran:
6. Also how to set LD_LIBRARY_PATH?. How to see the current set paths?
Click to expand...
is that something to do with prelink?prelink package is available in debian and command is 'prelink' itself...ldconfig is another one...
Click to expand...


I think those path should be set in order while compilation so that it can link with those necessary libraries...
U
ujjwal #10
Dec 1, 2005 at 8:20 PM
Type "export LD_LIBRARY_PATH='xyz'" to set it, replacing xyz with the directory. You can type "set" to see whatever is set.

For adding a location to the bin path, use "export PATH=$PATH:/dir/bin", where /dir/bin is the location you want to add.

I have tried debian through ubuntu, and I like some of its convenient adminsteration features which it provides, like the package manager, the aptitude frontend etc, but I didn't much care for the system v style init which debian (and many others, actually) uses, and the greater level of complexity in the functioning of the distro. Definitely try it out though.
praka123
praka123 #12
Dec 4, 2005 at 10:35 AM
I think get first 3 or 4 even 5 isos will do.hey u said u got dataone 256 aLLe?
i too have this connxn get the full benefeit by using 2.12AM to 8AM (approx 6 hours..) download..try d4x or kget downld.managers....or jigdo i donno more abut jigdo..hmm best of Lux :D
N
naveenchandran #13
Dec 4, 2005 at 10:42 AM
True^

But it takes 1 day for 1 ISO :|
M
musafir #14
Dec 4, 2005 at 1:55 PM
is the distro also available in dvd...it's too much of a hassle installing linux from so many cd'...unless there is no other option available
N
naveenchandran #15
Dec 4, 2005 at 3:11 PM
Did digit give debian sarge in any of the previous editions?
praka123
praka123 #16
Dec 5, 2005 at 2:55 AM
PCQ did gave last december...if u fret of d/lding get in touch with
a near by LUG as ur near to B'lore its EASy.there r lot of Linux CD vendros there try bookstalls in MG road Like Gan@g@r@ms.. :wink:
@musafir:
i think unofficial etchdvds are available from ftps try google... :D
M
musafir #17
Dec 5, 2005 at 9:55 PM
hmmmmmmm.....will try
nikhil
nikhil #18
Dec 23, 2005 at 8:36 PM
any idea if they r available in lko