Jumping to Testing or Sid

[zerozero]

if you need this howto to help you make the jump into testing or sid you should think twice because, probably, you are not prepared

general warnings:

• if you leave the update-packs, cinnamon might (will) break one day
• if you leave the update-packs nvidia and amd might break anytime
• if you leave the update-packs you should update frequently (daily if possibly)

why should you do it

• update-packs are boring stable
• you want to learn more about your system and how linux works in general
• you think it's fun spending time maintaining your system
• you want the latest&greatest

why shouldn't you do it

• update-packs are rock solid
• you can't afford downtime / that is a production machine
• you hate when something breaks

which one to pick: testing or sid?

• sid is more interesting but a lot more dangerous: you have to realize that it can break badly in the next update
• breakages and bugs are solved a lot faster in sid (sometimes in the same day) than in testing but are more frequent as well
  

ok if you came this far and are still reading let's start

A- system preparation

1- do a full backup of your system clonezilla is one good option

2- install apt-listbugs
it will save your skin more than once

3- delete the file /etc/apt/preferences
(i still think that this is the safest and easier approach )


B- moving to testing

1- check in the testing breakage topic if there's no problem listed

2- replace all the content of /etc/apt/sources.list with

Code: Select all

deb http://packages.linuxmint.com/ debian main upstream import backport
deb http://ftp.debian.org/debian testing main contrib non-free
deb http://security.debian.org/ testing/updates main contrib non-free
deb http://www.deb-multimedia.org testing main non-free

and

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

3- this might be the end of the jump and you're welcome to join me and a few others in the testing breakage topic, or if you want to keep on climbing i would advise a break now (a couple days) check that everything is working as it should in the system;
once happy and if the plan is sid step 2


C- moving to sid

1- check in the sid's breakage topic if the water is good for the jump

2- replace again all the content of /etc/apt/sources.list with

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deb http://packages.linuxmint.com/ debian main upstream import backport romeo
deb http://ftp.debian.org/debian unstable main contrib non-free
deb http://www.deb-multimedia.org sid main non-free

again

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

D- additional resources

smxi/sgfxi (video drivers script installation)

liquorix kernel (more up-to-date and feature rich debian-compatible kernels)

clonezilla (a backup "lifesaving" app)

[tdockery97]

There you go trying to lure them over to the dark side.

[zerozero]

with that introduction?? i'm afraid "they" won't come even close

[rop75]

Thanks for this really nice how-to, this thread should be stuck/pinned.

[tdockery97]

Thanks for this really nice how-to, this thread should be stuck/pinned.

I agree with rop75 zerozero.

[zerozero]

ok

[cwwgateway]

:lol: with that introduction?? i'm afraid "they" won't come even close

It was a very... conservative introduction. Personally I find UPs to be reliable until you update to the next one (I wouldn't say they were "rock solid" ). Regardless, it's a very good tutorial, and I agree that it should be stickied (I've seen it asked on a number of threads). I especially like the additional resources part, although maybe they could have a one sentence explanation (for example, liquorix kernel - A more up-to-date kernel configured with special options causing it to have better performance than the stock kernel... clonezilla - a life saving app to clone and restore partitions and drives... etc - some of the websites aren't particularly specific).

[zerozero]

cww, good additions
done

[GeneC]

Hey 'zz'

Good thread. Perhaps we can get more LMDE users to jump in. Its really not much harder to track Testing or SID over the Update Packs, just takes a bit more paying attention. Moniter the two "Breakages" threads you pointed too daily, and do at least weekly backups (Clonezilla preferred, by me)....

[zerozero]

hi Gene

There you go trying to lure them over to the dark side.

[GeneC]

....

[autocrosser]

....

LOL!@!!! I had always thought that Windozs was the DARK SIDE>>>>> You just get a extra dose of "enlightenment" by using Testing or Sid---

[Chris M]

zz, real nice. Just popping in to say hello.

GeneC - (4%'er) , have you messed around with Schoelje's LMDX edition? It looks very nice.

I think I'm going to give his 64-bit version a "damn the torpedoes" install go this weekend. I need to read up on it, but if it's using UP, I'll go full Testing.

Been away for a while with Xubuntu. I love it, but I'm getting a little bored, and Testing's about to get real fun. Amazing how quickly 2 years goes by.

Double z, your timing's "perfect". On second thought...

[zerozero]

hey Chris long time no see you
jump in (again) we has cookies

[GeneC]

Hey Chris...

Yes, using Schoelje's XFCE right now. Just installed the latest SR .iso yesterday. Its most excellent.. Give it a try...