Re: A question.....

DB wrote:
> Hi All,
> 
> I read on   Fedora lists that installing 3rd party software without 
> using yum causes or may cause problems.
- it means that it is no longer easy to track what is installed via rpm, 
and be offerred updates via yum.
- you could install an rpm that isn't in a yum repo via rpm or yum 
(localinstall), and it will be tracked. if it wasn't built for Fedora, 
then you might have trouble finding compatible required packages, etc
- most untar|configure|make|make install methods install the app into 
/usr/local/...  This means that the files wouldn't directly overwrite 
rpm managed files, however, you then need to consider things like path 
ordering so that the items the make install into local are used with the 
way that it was ma(d)e.

> If I install apackage with yum, and the producers offer a plugin as 
> .tar.gz , can I get yum to handle the installation?
Yes, of the package. No of the plugin, unless someone/you are willing to 
package the plugin as an rpm. How would you like to do your little bit 
for the Fedora community by becoming a packager ?

However, the plugin from a tar will work, at least for the version it 
was written for. Catch: a new release is offered through yum, and you 
get the app updated, but not the plugins, leaving them inoperable.

> Similarly, if an app is not available in a Fedora-recognnised repo, is 
> there a way to install it with yum?
Yes, either via rpm or yum as above.

> Also, assuming I've broken all the rules and installed something by 
> following the make files in a tar.gz, is there a way to tell yum that 
> the app exists????
No. Instead, package the file as an rpm by writing a .spec file and 
rpmbuilding that. install the package using rpm. (or yum). Basic 
packaging is pretty easy - many examples to choose from, and a lot of 
experienced Fedora packagers around who are willing to help.

DaveT.