Re: [gentoo-user] linux boot logo in 2.6.29-gentoo sources

[Jorge Morais]

On Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:36:41 +0500
Mike Kazantsev <mike_kazantsev@×××××××.net> wrote:

> On Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:13:38 -0300
> Jorge Morais <please.no.spam.here@×××××.com> wrote:
>
> > If you had upgraded because of a needed feature, I assume you would
> > have read about the release, and thus would know about Tuz.
> > So you upgraded to a ~arch kernel without any need.
> > Why?
>
> The question is probably not adressed to me, but...
>
> It's still a way to check out these new features hands-on :)
It's a kernel.
>
> And while it's ~arch on gentoo, it's actually marked 'stable' by
> developers, and, since gentoo ebuild does pretty much nothing but
> unpacking it, it should be pretty much as stable as any non-~arch
> package.
>

Even if it already released, it has a higher chance of bugs than a 
more established kernel.

Waiting for the package to become stable on Gentoo is not just about
ebuild bugs; it is also about waiting for enough users in general to
test the upstream package, and Gentoo users in particular to test the
package within Gentoo.

And I don't know about the usual quality of brand new Linux
releases, but in general, I believe upstream developers want to
release early (to get testers and updated contributions), while
a distribution may wait until the software is ready and tested.

Of course, if you want to actively help, that is a reason to test
the latest software... but I am afraid that a kernel bug could lead
to unpredictable behavior, data loss and other problems I can't
tolerate. Also, I think a kernel has a higher chance of hidden
bugs (bugs that don't stand in your face).

I think that if you want to contribute as a tester it is easier
to test a beta version of mplayer or Firefox (backup your bookmarks!),
for example, where bugs are more visible and likely less harmful.

Cheers,
    Jorge

-- 
Software is like sex: it is better when it is free. --Linus Torvalds