[KLUG Members] FIXED! RH 8.0 Pkg Mgr "Tree" error

[Bruce Smith]

> > > > For some strange reason, on CD#1, in the /RedHat/base directory, there is
> > > > one .rpm file: comps.rpm
> > > 
> > > This file does not exist on the 7.0 release. At least, it doesn't in the
> > > two sets I have. However...
> > 
> > This is something fairly new (new with 8.0, I think).
> > 
> > The program "redhat-config-packages" is also new with 8.0,
> > and I think the solution only fixes this program.
> > 
> > 7.0 is a completely different animal . . .
> 
> Actually, I was referring to 8.0, set #7, as marked on the CD's. I
> figured perhaps Mr. Morrett got a later-numbered set.

That file was omitted from some BSware CD's by mistake.  Sorry about
that, but it wouldn't make much difference either way.  The comps.rpm
that came on stock Redhat will NOT work with CD's with packages updated
to newer versions (ala BSware).

I learned this is something fairly new, and I have to RECREATE the RPM
every time I create a new version of BSware, to keep the package list in
sync with the current version numbers.

You can do it manually, by downloading "comps.rpm" from Redhat.
ftp://ftp.redhat.com/pub/redhat/linux/8.0/en/os/i386/RedHat/base/comps.rpm
Install the rpm:  "rpm -Uvh comps.rpm"  
and then update it manually from the CD's you wish to use with
redhat-config-packages by copying two files on your BSware CD#1: 
  "cp /mnt/cdrom/RedHat/base/hdlist* /usr/share/comps/i386/" 
(overwrite the old files)  Then "redhat-config-packages" should run.

Future versions of BSware will have this fixed, along with an updated
checksum on all my ISO images, so you can verify them from the installer

> > > So, now it works, for what that's worth. Unfortunately, it looks like
> > > it's designed to work ONLY with the RedHat distro disks. There isn't
> > > even an 'add software' button. What gives? Am I only supposed to be able
> > > to manage the packages RedHat sees fit to provide?
> > 
> > I really have no idea.  I am in the habit of running "rpm" 
> > from the command line, not the GUI.
> 
> Fair 'nuff, but it bothers me that Red Hat seems to be in the business
> of limiting choice now. Running RPM is just fine for those of us willing
> to get our hands dirty, and I use it as often as not myself, but I do
> think it's important that a good, working, fully functional front end be
> available to Joe Schmuck who can't tell a man page from Da Man. It's
> going to be essential if Linux is ever going to be a serious desktop
> contender in the mass market.

Yes, I liked the old GUI's better too, where you could select individual
CD's (and you didn't have to update "comps.rpm" every time you got a new
set of CD's).

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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