Click to See Complete Forum and Search --> : where to install programs
rbelt
09-27-2002, 03:20 PM
I tried this subject in the general forum w/o success -- I figure it probably fits this forum better...
what is the proper location for a network install (or even on a multi-user machine) -- do these go into the /usr/local directory? Take OpenOffice.org -- the install is two phased. The first part is the setup of the base system (run by root) and the second phase is run by the users (including root as a 'users' if root wanted to run OpenOffice.org...). Would I install the first phase into a sub dir of the /usr/local directory? The install script wants to default the phase1 part to a subdir of /root but that wouldn't work because of the rights issues. What's the /opt directory all about?
thanks
\\RB
jglen490
09-27-2002, 03:26 PM
The last time I installed OO.o, I just followed their instructions and let it install to where it wanted to go. I then just picked up the "setup" program as my normal user and it installed to my $HOME directory, just like it was supposed to.. Couldn't have been simpler :D !
the first phase should go into opt according o to their instructions
rbelt
09-27-2002, 03:42 PM
Thanks --- as I mentioned, the install program (./setup -net) defaults to /root/OpenOffice...(something) which did not make sence to me. I was going to drop it into the /usr/local but figured I'd ask about /opt -- what is the intent of this directory?
from the FHS:
/opt is reserved for the installation of add-on application software packages.
A package to be installed in /opt shall locate its static files in a separate /opt/<package> directory tree, where <package> is a name that describes the software package.
Programs to be invoked by users shall be located in the directory /opt/<package>/bin. If the package includes UNIX manual pages, they shall be located in /opt/<package>/man and the same substructure as /usr/share/man shall be used.
The problem I see is that everything kinda tells me to install user programs in /usr/local/<package>. So what's the differenc?
Thanks in advance!
\\RB
it doesn't matter.
install it where you want to.
it won't afect your system badly wherever you install it.
i have it in /opt/OpenOffice.org1.0
jglen490
09-27-2002, 03:54 PM
install it where you want to.
it won't afect your system badly wherever you install it.
And might I add, as long as your path encompasses that location ;) .
bwkaz
09-27-2002, 04:00 PM
Yeah, that's the problem with putting stuff under /opt/<its name> -- your $PATH will have to be changed every time you install a new program. If you put it in /usr/local, you might have to change your PATH once (to add /usr/local/bin, depends on your distro though).
But hey, whatever.
rbelt
09-27-2002, 04:05 PM
This is slightly confusing for me at this time... again from the FHS:
The /usr/local hierarchy is for use by the system administrator when installing software locally. It needs to be safe from being overwritten when the system software is updated. It may be used for programs and data that are shareable amongst a group of hosts, but not found in /usr.
It kinda sounds like the /opt location is for server located apps and /usr/local is more for 'workstations' but I really have no idea what the difference is and why one would be 'better' in one situation over another.
I'm assuming that user specific data (i.e. configuration and data files) for each app would be stored in a sub-dir in the users home directory (right???).
I know that the stuff can go in either (or where-ever I want) and it will function properly... I guess that I'm looking for the 'accepted' answer (i.e. what's the difference and why have both). I'm sure I'm going to get asked that question someday by a client or another tech.
\\RB
askrieger
09-27-2002, 04:28 PM
I think, based on limited experience, that the desirable technique for a workstation is to install the software under /opt/<package> and then setup a link in either /usr/bin or /usr/local/bin so that you don't have to continually update your path. Also, if you update the software, all you have to do is to change the link. As you conjecture, configuration data tends to wind up in a dotted directory under your $HOME.
my path doesn't include /opt/OpenOffice.org1.0 and OpenOffice.org functions fine.
the /opt part of the install is only the first part of the install. there is a second setup portion to be completed afterwards. it installs the user stuff to each user's home directory.
rbelt
09-27-2002, 05:07 PM
Thanks for all the info... I'm going to start dumping apps in the /opt/<app> location until I figure out a good reason not to...
\\RB
jglen490
09-27-2002, 05:29 PM
The best thing to do is not to get too hung up on the FHS. I have nothing against standards, but there are, in fact, multiple standards that deal with filesystems and file placement hierarchies. A standard is only as good as those who adhere to it, with the major player being software vendors. The major vendors are not total idiots, so going along with their installation instructions is not a bad thing and will in the end help you to keep a working system -- working ;) .