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While using an open source genealogy program I encountered an error. I submitted a bug report and the author quickly fixed the problem (Yay for open source!).

Now I want off course to try the latest release (3.2.5) of this program (which includes the bugfix for my problem). Apt-get tells me that the version I have installed (3.2.3-1) is already the newest version.

So what is the best way to upgrade to a newer version of a package then is available in the repositories?

Do I:

  • remove the version I have currently installed with the package manager. Download the source of the newest version and compile it myself? Will this give problems when newer versions come out? Will I have to update this program manually in the future whenever newer versions come out?
  • Should I do the above, but with a program like checkinstall, and remove the manually compiled version once the version can be installed via the package manager?
  • Should I make a request for the package to be backported? I think my request will make little chance because the rules read:

    Applications to be backported must have meaningful benefits to the user not attainable via other processes. Specifically: The sole purpose must not be to fix a bug or security vulnerability.

Or is there another way to do this correctly?

Andrew Grimm
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BioGeek
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2 Answers2

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In this particular case then the GRAMPS website provides a download link for a Ubuntu .deb package of version 3.2.5.

On this listing page select gramps_3.2.5-1_ubuntu10.deb which should be easily installable by double clicking on the downloaded file.

8128
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  • I will accept this as the correct answer for this specific case, but the question "what is the best option to choose in general?" remains. – BioGeek Dec 22 '10 at 14:18
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Go for 1st => remove the version I have currently installed with the package manager. Download the source of the newest version and compile it myself?

Will this give problems when newer versions come out? => No.

Will I have to update this program manually in the future whenever newer versions come out? => No

Other option is to request repo managers to update software or you can just wait for them to update.

Abhijit Navale
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  • Where do I find who the repo manager is for a certain package? – BioGeek Dec 22 '10 at 13:16
  • You can try in #ubuntu-devel on irc or just see the launchpad page of that software. in some cases wiki.ubuntu.com is helpful. – Abhijit Navale Dec 22 '10 at 13:21
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    I will accept this as the correct answer for this specific case, but the question "what is the best option to choose in general?" remains. >> no its not remained.I told you to get source code and compile yourself. – Abhijit Navale Dec 22 '10 at 18:34
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    Will apt be aware of the compiled source? How does it "know" that ive compiled a newer version of a given software that is in my list of installed packages? – MestreLion May 27 '11 at 23:25
  • i think apt or synaptic will know about complied sources. – Abhijit Navale Jun 12 '11 at 05:05