texlive 2019 install

[Helge Hafting]

Den 12.10.2019 17:46, skrev UD Kap:
> In the few times I had to install TexLive in Linux, it was always a 
> nightmare (paths, privileges, dependencies..), especially to get an 
> installation in which tlmgr was working.  It is frustrating that such 
> an important piece of software doesn't have a smooth installation 
> method.  I realize that they want to have a system which can be 
> updated without the linux package manager, but there ought to be some 
> better way.
>
If you want easy TexLive in Linux, install using the distro package 
manager ONLY.  Many distros do a good job packaging texlive, and offer 
easy upgrades whenever TexLive itself is updated.  TexLive may be split 
into 5-10 packages; pick what you need or just install all of it if you 
want an easy (albeit disk-consuming) install.

This goes for any software. Use the distro package manager, and only 
that.  Obviously, go for a distro that packages just about all the 
software you want.  Debian, or some Debian-derivative like Ubuntu may be 
a good choice.

Downloading software and installing it outside the package manager is 
possible, but it is always more work than just using the package 
manager. Keeping such software up-to-date is more work, and sometimes 
the package manager will install upgrades not compatible with your 
"outsider" software. There are usually no such problems when using the 
package manager exclusively.  (It may happen, but that is considered a 
bug in the distro, so they work hard to avoid that.)

Installing a big piece of software, such as Texlive, outside of the 
distro package manager is harder. You will then have to deal with paths, 
privileges and dependencies.  That may be ok for an experienced linux 
sysadmin - but it is not a smooth method. For smooth, use the package 
manager every time, and a distro that has what you need.

Helge Hafting