relationships between distros

[fguy64]

OK my question is specifically about Ubuntu/Debian, but I suppose the same could apply to other distros that are themselves based on other distros...

I understand that Ubuntu is essentially a derivative of Debian. Assuming I am correct on that, how feasible is it to turn my Debian Base install into Ubuntu by appropriate customization? Is it possible? Does it require a Linux guru to accomplish it?

Just curious.

[GNU-Fan]

I understand that Ubuntu is essentially a derivative of Debian. Assuming I am correct on that, how feasible is it to turn my Debian Base install into Ubuntu by appropriate customization?

Not very feasible. The dependencies between the packages are very tight, and the versions differ substantially. Remember that Debian Stable uses packages which are well tested and therefore often older than those of Ubuntu. If you install a package from Ubuntu, it will often not work because it depends on another software with a newer version than installed.

In addition, the init scripts and such will differ too.

Is it possible?

Yes.

Does it require a Linux guru to accomplish it?

No. Knowledge of Linux alone will not suffice.

[monday90]

Seconded.

Attempting to move from Debian to Ubuntu via changing repositorys and updating would likely open you up to a world of pain. It would be easier to do a clean install.

I seem to remember that a couple of years ago Sabayon offered a smart upgrade option on thier install DVD. I don't know how it implemented this but I believe it was targeted more at existing Gentoo systems. I do recall that it was regarded as experimental and came with plenty of warnings.

[fguy64]

Ok, yeah, it stands to reason that it wouldn't be a good idea, else I guess there wouldn't be much reason to make it a separate distro. I wasn't really seriously considering it, just thinking out loud here.

speaking of experimenting and customizing, my impression is that slackware is the way to go if you really like to tinker with your system. Gentoo also?

[oz]

speaking of experimenting and customizing, my impression is that slackware is the way to go if you really like to tinker with your system. Gentoo also?

Arch, Crux, Gentoo, and Slackware are all good for that.

[Bemk]

You can also do a minimal install of Ubuntu or Debian for example and customise that.

Install your own packages, play with code and compile your own packages. I call it al just good fun.

[fguy64]

You can also do a minimal install of Ubuntu or Debian for example and customise that.

Install your own packages, play with code and compile your own packages. I call it al just good fun.

I agree totally bud, like I am fond of saying. It's the journey and not the destination that matters. I almost think that Debian makes it too easy. apt-get does all the work for you it seems, so I may look elsewhere at some point if I really want to get creative.

[Bemk]

I agree totally bud, like I am fond of saying. It's the journey and not the destination that matters. I almost think that Debian makes it too easy. apt-get does all the work for you it seems, so I may look elsewhere at some point if I really want to get creative.

Manually compile from source to a package and install that.
You'll have to go through dependency hell that way, and you have compiled it your self. You even made it so your package manager won't crash (as long as you make a package and install it with dpkg).

[Tarthen]

It's not setting it up, it's tinkering (and breaking, and fixing) that's the fun part .

[fguy64]

I hear you Tarthen. I was just browsing through howtoforge.com. It's got page after page of all sorts of ideas to try.