[PLUG] Linux Distros

[Matt Alexander]

On Sat, 24 Aug 2002, Jeme A Brelin wrote:

> Technical:  While the underlying technologies of operation are similar in
> every important respect, the package management and configuration systems
> in Debian are far more advanced than those in Red Hat.  Building and
> maintaining packages and managing dependencies is cleaner and easier with
> the Debian system.

I've never built an RPM, but I've heard that Debian is not "far more
advanced", it's just that the people making .debs put a little more effort
into making them work well, whereas RPM builders, on the whole are
slightly more careless.  But then again, since you've mentioned many times
that you don't use any packaging system, but instead build from source,
I'm wondering if you are able to provide any details as to why .debs are
"far more advanced."

> Ethical:  Debian is a community-based project.  The purpose of Debian is
> to both create a strong and versatile Free Software operating system (or
> set of operating systems) and a strong and versatile Free Software
> community.  Debian draws hard lines between packages which are Free and
> non-Free.

I don't think any of the other distros are really any different in this
regard.  They all want a strong community.  And Red Hat complained
recently about licensing restrictions on StarOffice.

> Moral:  Decisions regarding the Debian project are not made by those who
> personally benefit more than the community at large by those
> decisions.  There is no power structure within the Debian project that
> allows the few to exploit the many.  The Debian project does not accrue
> capital based on its monopoly of existing capital.  The Debian project has
> no secrets.

Just out of curiosity, do you have a job?  Or would that compromise your
beliefs?
~M