[NTLUG:Discuss] Debian -- considering switching to Debian

[Peter A. Koren]

I am currently using the Scientific Linux Distribution which is
essentially a tweaked version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4. I have been
installing applications from a small number of compatible repositories.
>From doing this, I think I now understand the answer to the question I
posted here about a couple of months ago about the best system to
resolve dependencies and I have discovered (later than most I'm afraid)
that a large well maintained repository is the key. The apt vs yum
argument is not as important as the quality of the repository and
maintaining that quality. There are some excellent repositories for
RPMS, but there problem is that they are not all mutually compatible --
fragmentation of repositories is a problem.

After looking at the huge Debian package repository, I see that it has
the bulk of what I am looking for in applications -- and these are hit
and miss in being supported by the RPM repositories. I am contemplating
switching to Debian because of this.

But I notice that Debian does not support the evolution mail program. I
do see some indication of getting it working with Debian, but it is
unclear to me which way to go. If there is a way to convert my saved
evolution mail to another mail program, I might consider switching mail
programs.

Any suggestions?

-- Pete