Re: Debian package dependencies

On Tue, Aug 30, 2005 at 02:34:38PM +0100, Rik Hemsley wrote:
> I have considered switching to the qconfirm package (.deb) rather than a 
> compiled-by-hand version, in the hope that I'll get upgrades 
> automatically in future, should any be released.
> 
> When I attempt an install of qconfirm, apt attempts to install custom 
> versions of qmail, daemontools and ucspi-tcp, with 'smarden.org' within 
> their version strings.
> 
> The installation of qconfirm doesn't require any patching of these three 
> pieces of software; are these versions really custom, and if so, are 
> they necessary?

The qmail packages for Debian from smarden.org aren't patched at all,
they just integrate the official qmail-1.03 installation into Debian's
package management system.

> I'm keen to avoid any possible disruption of existing mail services, so 
>  would like to stick with my existing qmail, daemontools and ucspi-tcp. 
> Is this possible or advisable, or are the smarden.org versions required?

I wouldn't suggest to switch to the Debian binary packages if you have a
working installation, you might want to consider them if you set up a
new Debian system with qmail though.  And if you have qmail and co.
installed from source, I would also suggest to not switch to the
qconfirm Debian package, just install it from source as usual.

HTH, Gerrit.