Re: Pkg-based base system.

Tim Kientzle writes:
> > Yes, and nobody is suggesting removing anything from the base
> > system, merely making it easier for the end-user to remove
> > unnecessary base components.
>
> You don't have to remove one thing to use something else.

Well, you do (sort of). If you want to run CUPS, the base lp* utils get
in the way and need to be removed. If you don't set NO_LPR, then you
get them back next time you make world, causing mayhem to your printing
unless you and all your users have appropriate PATHs.

> Many FreeBSD systems use alternative software without touching the
> base system.  Just disable the base components in rc.conf and run your
> own.  You can also "upgrade" any existing piece by installing a newer
> port and disabling the pieces in the base system.

If you are "replacing" base sendmail with (say) Exim, this is true, but
it is not universally true for all packages (see CUPS).

> In the particular case of sendmail, look at the mailwrapper
> functionality, which simply redirects the standard "sendmail" name to
> your favorite MTA.  It's been in FreeBSD since 4.0 and makes it quite
> trivial to use any MTA you like instead of the built-in sendmail.

Are all vi(1) replacements named something other than "vi"? ISTR that
there are a couple that folks prefer, and we don't have a "viwrapper"
;-)

M
--
Mark Murray
iumop ap!sdn w,I idlaH