[oclug] Downloaded a program - not going too well...

[Charles MacDonald]

On 11-09-03 01:00 AM, Andy Civil wrote:

>> http://www.dlecan.com/archives/56-How-to-install-FreeFileSync-on-Ubuntu-PPA-Edited.html
>>
>>
>
> Actually that's freaky... because it 'just worked'. Now I'm twisted up
> inside because I've got my program, but I don't know how. Sure, there
> were glitches like "third party software" tab was actually called "other
> software", but who's complaining???

My fuzzy understanding is that adding that link adds more information on 
the computers understanding of where to get software, and once that info 
is in the database, the package manager knows if you ask for that 
package where to download it.

The prepaired package of course will have an install script that put the 
files in the right place, installs a sensible initial configuration, and 
adds the program to the program starter.

Downloading a program as a binary is for developers and old timers. 
There is some sense to downlaod source and build it yourself, 
particularly if you are running an unusual processor, but most source 
packages know how to do a ./make install which SHOULD set up the files 
in the right place.



-- 
Charles MacDonald                 Stittsville Ontario
cmacd at zeusprune.ca              Just Beyond the Fringe
http://www.TelecomOttawa.net/~cmacd/
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