Rolling Your Own

[George Underwood Edwards]

Is PCL the only rolling distro? Can others be updated in bits and pieces?

[Hootiegibbon]

Is PCL the only rolling distro? Can others be updated in bits and pieces?

While we are noit te only rolling release distro, we are unique I think in how we implement it.

We would be better described, I think, as a dynamically updated rolling meta distro

The rules on distro discussion prohibit any further detail on others , although you may be able to find a distribution information site with a search engine where you can list rolling release distros directly.

Jase

[djohnston]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Linux+rolling+distro

[Neal ManBear]

Is PCL the only rolling distro? Can others be updated in bits and pieces?

     
You should not update "in bits and pieces." A full update is always recommended.     

[Rudge]

Is PCL the only rolling distro? Can others be updated in bits and pieces?

     
You should not update "in bits and pieces." A full update is always recommended.     

What Neal is saying is that you should never pick and choose what gets updated.

Even when you install new software from the repo you need to do a full update before the install. (In fact, you need to do a full update before even locating the new software)

A rolling release has big advantages but you have to adhere to some basic rules to ensure that it works. 

ps. I am not assuming that you don't always do full updates but the fact bears repeating.

[George Underwood Edwards]

I misunderstood the term, 'rolling release' when I wrote that.

What I meant was, is PCL the only distro that lets you update your OS by accessing a repo?

My assumption was that other versions made you do a fresh install from-the-ground-up when you wanted to update the system.

Like that big changeover from 3 years ago when we had to move our personal files to an external HDD; install the new OS; and then move our personal files back to our internal HDD.

I now know 'rolling' means that updates are brought out regularly.

[djohnston]

This is a good definition of rolling release. Yes, there are other rolling release Linux distributions.

[George Underwood Edwards]

Thanx for that link! 

[Rudge]

I misunderstood the term, 'rolling release' when I wrote that.

What I meant was, is PCL the only distro that lets you update your OS by accessing a repo?

My assumption was that other versions made you do a fresh install from-the-ground-up when you wanted to update the system.

Like that big changeover from 3 years ago when we had to move our personal files to an external HDD; install the new OS; and then move our personal files back to our internal HDD.

I now know 'rolling' means that updates are brought out regularly.

Most distros require you to do a total re-install from scratch to get the latest "release".

Some do this as frequently as every 6 months.

[George Underwood Edwards]

Most distros require you to do a total re-install from scratch to get the latest "release".

Some do this as frequently as every 6 months.

When you say 'the latest release' are you referring to getting a new kernel? Or do you mean something else??? And doesn't PCL let you upgrade the kernel via the repo???

I wasn't thinking about getting the latest release, I was thinking of getting updates to installed applications like Kaffeine.

[Rudge]

...
What I meant was, is PCL the only distro that lets you update your OS by accessing a repo?

My assumption was that other versions made you do a fresh install from-the-ground-up when you wanted to update the system.

The above statements seem to indicate that you are talking about the Operating System.
 

Most distros require you to do a total re-install from scratch to get the latest "release".

Some do this as frequently as every 6 months.

When you say 'the latest release' are you referring to getting a new kernel? Or do you mean something else??? And doesn't PCL let you upgrade the kernel via the repo???

I wasn't thinking about getting the latest release, I was thinking of getting updates to installed applications like Kaffeine.

Knowing the ends and outs of how other distros get updated software to their users is something you would have to ask them. I guess if the new software is in their repo presumably the user would have access to it.

This however, has nothing to do with updating an Operating System. It only refers to the software running on it.  

[George Underwood Edwards]

...
What I meant was, is PCL the only distro that lets you update your OS by accessing a repo?

My assumption was that other versions made you do a fresh install from-the-ground-up when you wanted to update the system.

The above statements seem to indicate that you are talking about the Operating System.

Heh... Sorry for my confusion. 

I was mixing up
Kernels (KDE 4),
Applications (flash player),
Add-ons (libraries).

Anyway, you guys answered my basic question in regards to the rolling updates.

[djohnston]

I was mixing up
Kernels (KDE 4),
Applications (flash player),
Add-ons (libraries).

Kernels? Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick. 

[Reb]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Linux+rolling+distro

 
I Just clicked that link out of curiosity,............................ I Laughed so much my sides hurt !  

Thanks DJohnston that was so flippin funny.

[longtom]

We would be better described, I think, as a dynamically updated rolling meta distro

Jase

Now - that is a big word.  Just gimme 2 weeks to learn that by heart ....