How often do the packages in online repositories get updated

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#1

Do the packages in the online repositories get updated soon after new versions have been released, aka Debian Testing? Or are they updated based on a fixed release cycle aka Ubuntu / Debian Stable?

Thanks.

#2

I just don’t understand you questions with example given. I think that you are mixing 2 concepts: software update via repos, and releases.

Ubuntu and debian stable’s repos update without a fix date, juste like opensuse’s (ex: firefox 2.0.1 to 2.0.2). However, opensuse, debians stable and ubuntu have fixed release cycle (ex: 8.04, 8.10 ; 11.0, 11.1 ; sarge, etch, lenny).

If you want a release cycle like debian testing, pclinuxos or gentoo (which is called rolling stone release), then you can go with opensuse factory. However, factory, like debian testing/unstable, is a testing groud for the next release and is not build for a productive system. On the early stage of development of the next version (currently opensuse 11.1), factory is debian unstable’s stability. Near the end of the next release’s developement, factory is as stable as debian testing.

#3

Thank you for the explanation. Is the major release on a fixed 6 month cycle like Ubuntu (11.0 -> 12.0)? Will 11.1 contain updated packages or just bug fixes?

Eg. If packageX version 1.1 is released after OpenSUSE 11.0 is released, will the updated package be included in the upcoming OpenSUSE 11.1 or will it be included only in OpenSUSE 12.0?

Debian has three branches, Stable (aka OpenSUSE 11.0), Testing and Unstable (aka OpenSUSE Factory). Does OpenSUSE an interim branch like Debian’s Testing?

Thanks !

#4

The difference like 11.0 and 11.1 is like the difference between ubuntu 8.04 and 8.10.

Bug fixes are released via the update repo during 2 years (the support cycle of each opensuse’s stable release).

No there is no testing branch. I would like it, but there is no testing.

#5

If there is release of any updated package in .rpm format, will there be any compatibility issue if I install it in OpenSUSE 11.0? Is there a GUI interface to do the installation for local rpm packages?

Thanks !

#6

Well their are the unstable repositories if this was meant , I guess you could call it testing at your own risk ?