Re: A question.....

[email protected] wrote:
>    1. Re: A question..... (David Timms)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:45:22 +1100
> From: David Timms <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: [Yum] A question.....
> To: "Yellowdog Updater, Modified" <[email protected]>
> Message-ID: <[email protected]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> 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 ?
>   
???? Do I get an issue of brown ppaper & string ? ;-)) As my knowledge 
at the moment is exceeeeeedingly basic, I have no idea what would be 
involved, whether I have enough time, whether my skill level would be 
appropriate.... but tell me more (direct email?)
> 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.
>   
I presume (dangerous, I know) that any such rpm would then be stored 
locally?
> DaveT.
>
>   
>
Thanks DaveT, I'll take a look at the rpm building bit... Do you have a 
link to an Idiot's Guide??

Dave