2 year system uptime without level 3 updates

[Christof999]

Hi,

I want to get my LMDE system working completely, all my programs configured and installed properly, drivers working etc. and then just have the system not change for 1-2 years. I understand its necessary to apply security updates. Is it possible to convert your system to LMDE squeeze, update it, fully configure it and get it working and then just leave it unchanged except for security updates? I dont care about new features or anything, just want a working machines for 1-2 years with no breakages. I will also not be installing anything new as my needs would not change.

Would this idea work?

What would the best way be to achieve this rock solid stable system that does not change or break?

Thanks
Chris

[rivenathos]

This is one way to do it:

If you want your LMDE to track Debian Stable, you need to make a slight adjustment to your sources list.

1. Click the shield icon in the panel.
2. When the Update Manager opens, click on Edit > Software Sources.
3. Click on the Third Party tab and highlight Debian Testing.
4. Click the Edit button, change “testing” to “squeeze” and click OK.
5. Do the same procedure with the Security and Multimedia repositories.
6. Click on Close and refresh the Update manager.

You should now be tracking Debian Squeeze when it switches from Testing to Stable.

** If I missed a step, someone please let me know.

[gotjazz]

actually there's no need to take out lvl 3 updates if you change to squeeze - there's not going to be too many of them and I think after the release of squeeze "rock-solid" will be putting it mildly

[rivenathos]

Yeah, gotjazz is correct. With everything set for Squeeze, you really should leave the Level 3 packages enabled since those will only be security updates. In fact, the same can be said for the Level 4 and 5 packages. So, if you are staying with Squeeze, you can update everything with basically no worries. That Level system was necessary with Ubuntu because you never knew what would explode with their updates. Debian is a much safer bet all the way around.

I am still awaiting some official word from Clem and the development team as to what they expect the procedures to be since LMDE is a whole different ballgame.

[vrkalak]

I have an install of Debian that I built from a net.install a little over 2 years ago.
I added the 2.6.35 kernel, a few months back, and keep the sources.list on 'testing'
Haven't done much with it ... except keep up with the updates.
It is now moving into Debian 6 Squeeze with no problems or b0rks.

Debian OS is known for 'stability throughout the Linux world.
Just keep the LMDE sources.list-repros toward Squeeze ... and it will stay 'rock-solid' stable for at least, 2 more years.

I know people over in the Debian User Forums that have the same install of Debian for about 5 years now.

I love the 'rolling release' branch of Debian . . . LMDE should be no different. Stable, solid.