[Python-Dev] python.org OS

[Barry Warsaw]

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On Jan 4, 2009, at 11:26 AM, Stephen J. Turnbull wrote:

> Aahz writes:
>
>> all.  Because I was lazy, last weekend I finally did a two-stage  
>> upgrade
>> from 7.10 to 8.04 and then 8.10, with zero noticeable problems.
>
> The scary one is two independent reports of fstab corruption in the
> 8.04 to 8.10 upgrade.  It is claimed to be unfixable by booting from
> CD, mounting the partition, and editing fstab: the editor saves but
> the fstab returns to the original corrupt state upon reboot.
>
> Several reports of inability to use formerly working Japanese input
> methods.  Several reports of formerly working xorg.conf suddenly
> reverting to VESA 1024x768x8 (or worse).

Just as a data point, we routinely upgrade our Ubuntu desktop machines  
as soon as the next version goes beta, exactly so we can help smooth  
out any hitches long before our users do.  Some of us tend to be  
conservative, some radical, but we have a fairly wide range of systems  
and close interaction with our distro team.  At any one time I have  
four or more Ubuntu boxes (servers, laptops, VMs, desktops) and I tend  
to upgrade them one at a time.

For me, servers have been the easiest to upgrade.  I've never had a  
problem with the OS specifically.  I have had problems with certain  
applications (e.g. Moin) where it's usually a matter of sussing out  
all the new configuration changes, but I'm not sure you can avoid  
that.  On the desktops, IME the most troublesome part is always X,  
mostly because it's a nightmare in its own right :) but also because  
my proprietary hardware drivers lag behind.  I've had one or two  
problems with wireless.  I've never had a problem with some of the  
crazier things I try, like encrypted file systems.  Remember too,  
these are all beta upgrades.

I'm not shy about contacting our excellent support team about these  
problems.    I usually hold back at least one VM to upgrade to final,  
and that's always gone easier than any other OS, reflecting Aahz's  
experience.  I don't doubt that people have problems upgrading, in  
fact for anything as complex as an operating system, it would be  
impossible to avoid.  I'm biased of course, but I have to say our  
distro team does an excellent job here.

- -Barry

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