Re: 9.3: Should I upgrade or install fresh ?

From: Dik Voorthuis (dik_at_none.nowhere)
Date: 05/19/05 

Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 00:28:26 +0200

jbbarnes wrote:

> I've got a couple of running 9.2 systems, but 9.3 adds some sorely needed
> features (like support for my wireless card.) How cleanly would 9.3
> upgrade my system? A dozen years of upgrading Windows has taught me that
> reinstalling fresh is a much better route, but I'm wondering if the linux
> design is yields itself to cleaner upgrades, without leaving behind lots
> of unnecessary files and carrying over existing problems like Windows
> does.

Upgrading from a previous version usually worked well for me, much better
than with windows. Don't know if it's the same with 9.3, I am still on 9.2.
Upgrading from an older version is more likely to give problems.
If you changed much configurations, then upgrading is probably less work
than a fresh install and redoing all configuration.
I would try to upgrade, and if that does not work well, you always can do a
fresh install.
Of course, keep a backup copy of /etc and /home.

> I know that most all configuration files are in the /etc directory, so
> will it modify those files where needed rather than replacing them?

If they are compatible with the new version of the package, it will leave
them alone, if they are not, it will install a fresh default version, and
keep a backup of the old configuration file. But in that case you would
have to reconfigure anyway.
Existing problems that are caused by wrong configuration will probably carry
over, like in windows.

> What
> about shared library files that need to be updated? Are updated versions
> installed and then unneeded ones deleted

yes

> rather than leaving hundreds (or
> thousands) of obsolete orphaned files hanging around?

no

> Does it select
> packages to install based on what it sees was already installed under 9.2?

yes

> In short, how SMART is the upgrade process

smarter than a windows upgrade

> and are there any downsides to
> going that route rather than wiping, installing, and restoring my data and
> configuration files?

yes, there are, new features in new versions of software might not be well
configured, and the selection of installed packages will probably differ
from a fresh default install.

> Thanks for your feedback, guys.

you're welcome.