[parisc-linux] how to use dpkg/dselect/apt-get ???

[Tomasz Korycki]

I am _not_ going to quote anybody, because then it might be assumed I am 
disputing _somebody's_ point of view, instead of a _particular_ one. So 
here goes.

Think of a word "processor". In a community of computer-relating people 
this word will have an assumed specific meaning of a "central processing 
unit". In a community of food-relating people it may mean "food processor". 
In a community of paperwork-relating people it may mean a "application 
processor", ie: person that processes applications. The point is, all 
communities have their own meanings for words or expressions, and a whole 
set of assumptions that go with them. It's not wrong or right. Just different.

Debian model was chosen for PA linux. dpkg/dselect and friends go with this 
choice. It may be unfamiliar to some, but it is just _different_. When You 
switch over from HPUX to AIX, You have no sam to help You, You have 
smit/ty. It's different. You need to get to know the new guy. He's not here 
to hurt You, but help You. But You won't know how to ask for help, until 
You learn how to convey what You need to him. He assumes certain things, 
and so do You. The trick is to get those two sets as close as possible. 
When You know him _that_ well, then You can start working on changing him. 
Criticizing him or his assumptions, MO and so on will not work until You 
know everything that can be done with this new - in this case - tool. Get 
to know it, then Your criticism will have far more weight.

And, as a parting note, I am as bewildered by it as some. Esp since I used 
package commands on Solaris, and it ain't the same, despite similar 
sounding names... But I'm learning.