FireFox RPM

[mip]

A FireFox RPM for Fedora Core 1 can be found here <http://dag.wieers.com/packages/firefox/>.

Edited by ug_the_caveman

[mhelios]

Thanks for the announcement. :) FYI, the Fedora.us repo are finalising details for their firefox 0.8 packages. Soon packages such as this will be available as part of the extras channel in sync with core, updates and updates test when the merger with fedora.us and the fedora.redhat.com happens.

[Ug]

I made my own :D

[Bobmeister]

I couldn't wait, so now that GTK2 + XFT versions seem to be available from the Mozilla mirrors, I just installed from tarballs. I'm finding that for some things, I prefer to NOT use rpms....it seems to give me a little more control. I can put a lot of programs in /usr/local instead of the really busy /usr/lib.

Firefox is GREAT. I have completely switched now from the big suite.

[Bana]

Yes I have found tars to be better at some things too as it is nice to know where you put it although it doesn't help when you get lazy and install/clutter your home folder heh.

[mhelios]

On the topic of using tarballs over RPM, it's generally ok to do this occasionally such as when RPMs aren't available. I wouldn't mix too many though as many problems can start to occur with libary conflicts and installation path confusion. Using an RPM clean method to manage your software as everything is aprt of the RPM database so you know what's installed, versions etc etc very easily.
Basically, if you're going to install via source tarball only do so for programs not already installed i.e. DON'T upgrade an RPM package with a source tarball. That's how you start getting problems like outlined above. And keep a consistent install location for all sofware such as /usr/local.

Just a few suggestions from previous personal (bad) experiences.

[Ug]

I generally use /opt for tarball installed programs. That way, I know exactly where everything is.

[mhelios]

Another interesting program one may want to look at when dealing with tarballs is CheckInstall:
http://asic-linux.com.mx/~izto/checkinstall/index.php

It creates an RPM of the installation process so that uninstallation in as simple as rpm -e program :)

[Ug]

Originally posted by mhelios
Another interesting program one may want to look at when dealing with tarballs is CheckInstall:
http://asic-linux.com.mx/~izto/checkinstall/index.php

It creates an RPM of the installation process so that uninstallation in as simple as rpm -e program :)

Before you get too confused, i've copied this post to the "links" forum. :p

[Bobmeister]

mhelios makes a good point. A lot depends on WHAT software you want to install, and what is also available in what form. Another point he made was to know where everything is and what version numbers. Yes, when upgrading, it IS important to do things correctly, and of course, package managers are great for that. I have noticed, however, that rpm isn't perfect (of course) and if you are uninstalling a program, it's a good idea to update your "locate" database, and so a search for orphaned files. I also use "locate" after getting rid of old programs completely before installing the new program versions if NOT using a package manager (such as rpm).

So I agree...it takes some care when you mix different software and use different methodology. I am kind of anal, and even have a sheet with a lot of the "non-standard" stuff written down to "remind" me for when I am going to change things.

This care has avoided ANY trouble and all is working great together. But if you DO get careless, it can be a pain!

[serpico]

I use Firefox too and on my iBook running OS X. Great browser and speedy. I'm not familiar with tarballs and all, I usually stick to the rpm's. One day, one day I'll learn this all.

[mhelios]

Originally posted by serpico
I use Firefox too and on my iBook running OS X. Great browser and speedy. I'm not familiar with tarballs and all, I usually stick to the rpm's. One day, one day I'll learn this all.
serpico, if you want to learn a bit more about dealing with tarballs, we have a HOWTO on the subject here:
http://www.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70

[MiNoS]

When using the Mozilla 1.6 without the options like mail, chat etc, where is the big differenz to FireFox? I used the Firebird on Windows and there I saw the differenz between the two but under Linux I don't.

[Bobmeister]

Well, one of the nice things that I have noticed is that it is quicker on both calling up and browsing. Also, it is very attractive and more easlily skinnable. I have switched completely both in Windows and Linux now, as I think both Thunderbird and Firefox are mature enough for day to day use.

One minor thing...I still can't get "mail to" from firefox to call up the mail program properly...which, of course, was no problem in Mozilla as it was an integrated suite. They have an extention that is supposed to help with this, however, I can't get it to work correctly. Little things like this make Firefox maybe not quite ready for prime time for many folks.

I think that is why the Fedora folks are kind of holding off on making it the "default" browser in Fedora 2. It has a couple of little shortcomings yet in the operational department. But the BASIC browsing functions are superior.

You won't find a MAJOR difference between Mozilla and Firefox as a lot of fundamental code is shared between the two, but over time, you will see more coding inovation and progress on Firefox than Mozilla. They will be writing a brand-new roadmap very soon that will hopefully clear up a LOT of the confusion on these issues.

[mhelios]

faz67, your question has been moved to Software forum. Please start a new thread for your questions. You will have better chances of getting more replies. Thanks.

[Ug]

Originally posted by Bobmeister
They will be writing a brand-new roadmap very soon I always love the sound of those things, the problem is not with defining the road map but sticking to it.

[serpico]

It's just like anything in life, we make our personal goals, small and big, but it's very hard to stick to them. None of us know what tomorrow brings.

The good thing is that a roadmap gives all of us an idea of where we would like Firefox to be at a certain time. It's still my favorite browser at the moment on all the platforms I use.

[Ug]

Yea, I definately like it. I just don't like the beauraucratic sound of a "road map". But I can see the point of it.