One thing I wish to know in the process of moving to Linux / openSUSE is the exact risk of failed package updates. Normally I update everything with Yast, but some updates might also be done by Apper (in the system tray). I want to know what the risk of a broken and irrecoverable system is if the computer goes down in the middle of an important update (hangs due to some error, power fails, etc). Especially if it fails between updating an important package and its dependencies.
Does openSUSE know to continue an interrupted update once you log back in, or can this cause the user to get stuck in a console while booting? If so, is there an emergency login alternative (or Live-CD action) to continue the failed updates and repair what hasn’t finished? Otherwise, what can be done to prevent such situations (apart from “getting an UPS” or “not updating some components”)?
Updates are first down loaded then installed normally. There are configuration that change this depending on what updater you use. So in most cases if the down load is interrupted nothing happens and the down load is restarted when you restart the update process. If you lose power during an install this can hurt your day depending on exactly what is being updated. There are setting to keep the previous kernel so if a kernel update fails you still have your old one. Not sure apper respect this setting. look in /etc/zypp/zypp.conf
Most here don’t like apper and will tell you to uninstall it and do a manual zypper up or zypper patch once or so a week.
Glad to hear openSUSE has mechanics to handle interrupted updates, especially securing things regarding the kernel. If something might slip past them due to a bug that’s a different matter. There are other components that might be at risk during updates though… such as X11 or KDE / Gnome. And I noticed it downloads everything first then installs it… very good idea.
I heard that a lot of users hate Apper, but personally I like it because it never had any issues for me. However, I frequently update with Yast by browsing through all Repositories, right clicking their lists and choosing “All in this list” - “Update if newer version available”. If Apper is more tempting to click before that however, I use it instead. Haven’t used Zypper manually at all, since I prefer a GUI for everything so I stick to things with icons you can click on :3