Fink

F.A.Q. - 3. Fink mirrors

Q3.1: What are Fink Mirrors?

A: Fink mirrors are rsync servers mirroring the current and stable description files that Fink uses to build packages from source.

Q3.2: Why should I use rsync mirrors?

A: Rsync is a very fast protocol. It will update the description files faster than the old CVS update method. Furthermore, CVS updates are always done from sourceforge.net while rsync updates can be done from a mirror close to you.

Q3.3: Where can I find more information about Fink mirrors?

A: All Fink mirrors are consolidated under the finkmirrors.net domain. The Web-Site at http://finkmirrors.net/ has more information.

Q3.4: I cannot connect to rsync server, what should I do?

A: Sometimes very strict firewalls forbid you to connect to rsync services. If that is the case simply continue using the CVS method

Q3.5: I have switched to the rsync method now all info files from the unused trees are gone

A: This is normal. The rsync update method will only update your active tree, e.g. 10.3, and it will also delete the CVS subdirectories.

Q3.6: How can I switch back and forth between methods?

A: By using fink selfupdate-rsync or fink selfupdate-cvs to switch to rsync or CVS, respectively.

Q3.7: What is a Distfiles mirror?

A: Sometimes it is hard to fetch a certain version of sources from the Internet. Distfile mirrors hold and mirror the source packages needed by fink to build its source packages.

Next: 4. Upgrading Fink (version-specific troubleshooting)