Instructions for FreeBSD

[DAve]

Mike Jakubik wrote:
> DAve wrote:
>> Julian Field wrote:
>>
>>> If so, why, and is there anything easy I could do to fix it?
>>> It's just that it does all sorts of other tweaks and settings for 
>>> you, as well as just build and install the packages.
>>
>> The issue it not whether your package works but whether your package 
>> installs in the same manner as other FreeBSD software. I use non 
>> FreeBSD installs all the time, you will find most FreeBSD admins have 
>> no problem with non FreeBSD installs.
> 
> Having used FreeBSD since 2.x days, i would have to disagree with you. I 
> dislike installing anything from source, as it usually creates a mess, 
> and is harder to do maintenance on, things such as portaudit do not 
> work, etc, etc...
> 

I can only go back to 3.1, still have a passle of 3.5 CDs though ;^) I 
made the same argument from your side of the fence for quite a while, 
then I had to maintain a RedHat machine and a Debian machine. My 
attitude changed significantly. Packages/RPMs/Ports/whatever of any 
flavor are the Devils right hand IMO. I am using them now on the 
MailScanner servers only as a Disaster Recovery method. If I meet a 
disaster, someone could manage a security upgrade during my funeral.

I have servers that clients "need" PHP4, but another client "must have" 
PHP5. Do you add a new web server for a single hosting account? Add a 
third for the client who needs Apache 2.x? Turn away clients? Ports will 
not let you install conflicts. Worse is when sales brings in a new 
client with an existing site and all it's dependencies.

Were it my own server, maybe I would agree with you, but having a NOC 
filled with web servers running different OSs at different versions, I 
prefer source. Granted source removes the ability to use the ports 
tools, but it also removes their limitations.

This would be a religious discussion I think.

DAve

-- 
Three years now I've asked Google why they don't have a
logo change for Memorial Day. Why do they choose to do logos
for other non-international holidays, but nothing for
Veterans?

Maybe they forgot who made that choice possible.