> > It should be easier for "normal" packages (without daemons, inetd.conf > enties etc.) to have two conflicting packages installed. For example, > I'd like to have gs-alladin and gs installed in parallel; gs-alladin > for it's pdf support, and gs for it's better Epson Stylus Color driver. > But it is not possible because both binaries are named "gs". > > What about an option to install binaries under different hierarchies, > for example one under /usr/bin, /usr/lib, /usr/doc etc. with config > files in /etc and variable data; others under /opt/bin, /opt/lib, > /opt/doc, /etc/opt, /var/opt. For binary packages, this look difficult > because of many binaries having hardcoded paths in it. But for source > code packages, it should be possible. >
Debian already has a mechanism to do this: the /etc/alternatives directory. A quote from the debian-faq (available as an info file, probably installed on your machine): ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Debian provides a mechanism so that, if more than one package which provide the same virtual package is installed on a system, then system administrators can set one as the preferred package. The relevant command is update-alternatives, and is described further in the section on diversions (11.8). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ See also man update-alternatives. If you feel that some packages that currently conflict should use the alternatives mechanism instead, file a wish-list item to the bug-report system and see what happens. HTH, Eric -- E.L. Meijer ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) | tel. office +31 40 2472189 Eindhoven Univ. of Technology | tel. lab. +31 40 2475032 Lab. for Catalysis and Inorg. Chem. (TAK) | tel. fax +31 40 2455054
