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Using Debian

Should I be running Testing/Unstable(Sid) instead of Stable/Testing?

This is something that you as a user and administrator of your system have to decide for yourself. If you just need a few newer packages try http://www.backports.org before considering an upgrade. If you have Debian on a desktop machine testing might be an option, but it's not really recommended for production machines. If you want all the newest software Debian can provide and don't mind/can handle breakage than you could try unstable. Basically each Debian distribution has its pros and cons. Here are some:

Stable

Testing

Unstable (a.k.a. Sid)

Experimental

This is not a regular distribution (you cannot run on experimental), but it is mentioned here for completeness

Which is the best package manager?

While "the best" package manager is a matter of personal oppinion, the Debian project and many Debian users recommend aptitude. See [http://lists.debian.org/debian-user/2004/04/msg03138.html here] for more details.

Does Debian have Firefox (what is Iceweasel)?

Debian ships with Iceweasel, basically a rebranded Firefox (reference needed).

Posting on debian-user

What is top-posting (and why shouldn't I do it)?

Both questions can be answered with this example (seen in some sig):

How should I post/reply to debian-user?

Please see the [http://www.debian.org/MailingLists/#codeofconduct Code of conduct] for Debian mailing lists. It is also helpful if you ask your questions in a [http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html smart way] and answer by [http://www.netmeister.org/news/learn2quote.html quoting] properly.

Why doesn't this list facilitate easy replies to the list (a.k.a. reply-to-munging)?

See [http://www.unicom.com/pw/reply-to-harmful.html this] document for a thorough explanation. In case your e-mail client doesn't support List-reply (for Icedove/Thunderbird there is an extension) then please use Reply-to-all and delete all but the list address.


-- SalokineTerata ?DateTime(2007-11-09T22:28:54Z)