21
General Discussion / Re: Request for Help: New Hobbes Testing
« Last post by Doug Clark on April 13, 2026, 12:18:08 am »Quote
We discussed some time the policy to maintain only the latest version of a software on hobbes, with the exception of libraries, drivers and development tools. Some other exception may apply (like fixpacks) and we can discuss it.
My vote would be to maintain earlier versions of all software. If the author wants only the latest version of his/her product, then hobbes should honor that. But otherwise, save the old. I have found too many examples of new stuff that does not work on my systems, or does not work as well as, previous versions. Three specific examples: xFree86, VLC, and PmPrintf. I do not mention these three to single them out as bad - all three are excellent products. I just can't get them to run on my systems - even though I know they run on other people's machines. So my choice is to use an earlier version that does run, or not run them at all.
If the version of the product is clearly indicated, either in a version field as suggested, or as part of the name, then I don't see the harm in keeping older stuff. Other than the bits that might be wasted storing the stuff.
Recent Posts
So there is a tiny little win here after all...