ports vs packages

[Polytropon]

On Mon, 9 Jan 2012 12:17:37 -0500, alexus wrote:
> Ports vs Packages?
> 
> /usr/ports vs pkg_*
> 
> pros/cons

In short:

ports:
	pro:
		most current, if properly updated
		build from source (security!)
		apply optimization (speed!)
		apply compile-time options (functionality!)
		highly configurable
		easy updating of installed stuff
	cons:
		requires time
		requires disk space
		requires CPU
packages:
	pro:
		fast installation
		less typing
		works good on low resource systems
	cons:
		not "bleeding edge"
		not all ports available as packages
		primarily means of "first time installation"

The list could go on for hours. Consensus: Use a
port management tool (such as portmaster or even
portupgrade) if you don't want to deal with "bare
ports".

Furthermore, consult the mailing list archives
for more elaborate answers and discussions. :-)



-- 
Polytropon
Magdeburg, Germany
Happy FreeBSD user since 4.0
Andra moi ennepe, Mousa, ...