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[OCLUG-Tech] Building latest versions of programs

I've had considerable difficulty getting a reliable setup for compiling the latest versions of some packages (in my case Gnumeric and its support is the main interest, since I'm trying to prepare the test spreadsheets). From the Gnumeric list I've had bits of advice, but all have hit bumps. I've had minor success building a directory with its own lib, share etc. directories and setting some of the environment variables, and managed on Xandros 3.02 to get a compile. Not so much luck with Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper). Keep getting configure msgs that say I don't have the libraries, even after I've built them. So I clearly don't have all the recipe for putting in the flags.

Also tried jhbuild with no joy for similar-looking problems. And Garnome looked far too complex, though it would be nice to include. I've also considered a chroot jail approach, possibly driven by a liveCD i.e., liveCD boot and regular HD mount or directory for the working files. This would let me move from machine to machine and have consistent compile environment.

I plan to write up the results of my efforts as a HowTo, since there are obviously -- from posts on Gnumeric list -- others like myself who have considerable subject expertise and don't want to become comma-semicolon masters of the arcane (though I probably am in areas of statistical and math software).

Is anyone interested in trading time/expertise with me? e.g., stat/math for compilation. I'm also investigating my research account to see how much is left in it. I can be contacted off-list about this.

JN

--
John C. Nash, School of Management, University of Ottawa,
Vanier Hall 451, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Private,
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"Practical Forecasting for Managers" web site is at
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