Ports vs. Packages

[Mykroft Holmes IV]

Charles Howse wrote:

> I'm confused ( which is not an uncommon occurrence ), let's say I know I
> don't need to edit the source code of any of the additional software
> that I plan to install, but I want the latest version.
> 
> Should I install from ports or sysistall/packages/FTP?
> 
> I just installed Midnight Commander from ports ( make && make install &&
> make clean ), and with all the dependencies, it took over 30 minutes on
> my Celeron 300 w/64 MB, vs. less than a minute from sysinstall.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> Charles
> 
If you've configured your make.conf, ports will produce a faster piece 
of software (Since it's otpimised for your machine) while packages 
install quickly (And work on machines with no compiler installed)

Adam