Build From Source vs. Packages? 863
mod_critical asks: "I am a student at the University of Minnesota and I work with a professor performing research and managing more than ten Linux based servers. When it comes to installing services on these machines I am a die-hard build-from-source fanatic, while the professor I work with prefers to install and maintain everything from packages. I want to know what Slashdot readers tend to think is the best way to do things. How you feel about the ease and simplicity of installing and maintaining packaged programs versus the optimization and control that can be achieved by building from source? What are your experiences?"
Packages are best (Score:1, Funny)
This is BSD vs Linux argument (Score:4, Funny)
And any RedHat user won't really understand what the BSD user is talking about and will just keep on using binary rpms found from google or rpmfind [slashdot.org]. In a desparate moment one will use any rpm that seems to do the trick - nevermind security, PGP sigs, all that stuff...
Seriously speaking, building from source is the UNIX way in my opinion. There is just something very heart warming and satisfying about seeing all the compiler messages scroll every time you install a package. (And try installing the native Java from BSD ports - several hours of pure joy!)
Re:One word for you... (Score:5, Funny)
Use the Source Luke (Score:2, Funny)
Well, the *best* way is obviously... (Score:5, Funny)
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go reboot 100 systems.
dear slashdot... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:One word for you... (Score:2, Funny)
No, it's still dying. I am still running FreeBSD at home because I have not found the time yet to switch back to Linux.
Re:One word for you... (Score:5, Funny)
But less than 12? (Score:3, Funny)
Is that, like, 11 Linux-based servers?
Re:One word for you... (Score:5, Funny)
I think the best method... (Score:1, Funny)
Devine Guidance (Score:2, Funny)
Re:OS is from a package (Score:2, Funny)
Could you clarify your meaning there, please? Do you mean that you make a profit on his trolling, or do you bring it to life? Either way, I think that's pretty cool.
Re:Use sources (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Personally (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, Gentoo adding an installer would be like Porsche making an SUV . . . oh wait, right . . .
Re:Use sources (Score:3, Funny)
Not necessarily true when your needs are custom.
Real geeks work at Wendy's and live in their mom's basement.
Oh, that's where I remember you from. You didn't give me my Biggie fries.
Re:Not always the case (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Personally (Score:2, Funny)
Not in that order, of course.