Justin B Rye wrote: > Okay, I'll keep my hands off the package descriptions too.
Sorry, I got bored and reviewed it anyway. Here's a separate diff for the control file, as an alternative to just sending it in as a wishlist bug report. > --- isdnutils-3.9.20060704.pristine/debian/control 2009-09-19 > 12:52:20.000000000 +0100 > +++ isdnutils-3.9.20060704/debian/control 2009-09-20 23:39:20.000000000 > +0100 > Package: isdnutils [...] > Conflicts: ipppd (<<1:3.1pre1b-23) (That's a conflicts against Potato, so rather stale, but never mind) > -Description: Most important ISDN-related packages and utilities > +Description: ISDN utilities - dependency package Standardising on "$SUITE - $COMPONENT". > - Note that for an external ISDN adapter, you do NOT need this package or any > of > - the related ones. This is only for use with an internal ISDN adapter. > - Choosing this package will select the most frequently used components. > + This package depends on the most frequently used components for an > + ISDN system using an internal adapter; they are not required for an > + external adapter. "Note that" is redundant, especially as a start. Instead start by saying what the package _is_ good for. > . > - The current version of isdnutils is split up into component packages, to > make > - it easier to fine-tune what is installed; hardly anyone needs everything. > - However, it's not possible to automatically select what is needed > - This is a dependency package to ease installation, and choosing this selects > - the most important new packages. After installation, this package can be > - safely removed. > + The isdnutils suite is split up into component packages, to make it > + easier to fine-tune what is installed; hardly anyone needs everything. > + However, it's not possible to select what is needed automatically. This > + dependency package just ensures the most important components are > + installed, and can be safely removed again once that is done. Don't expect users to think in terms of source-package names, and don't talk as if this was rapidly-evolving software. d-l-e regulars may be interested to see I've moved "automatically" to after its verb... > . > - The component packages selected by this are: > - isdnutils-base basic set of ISDN utilities. > - ipppd for networking over ISDN with syncPPP. > - isdnlog for logging ISDN calls (and much more). > - isdnutils-xtools for X ISDN apps (currently only xisdnload and xmonisdn) > - isdnvboxserver ISDN answering machine, things needed on the server > system. > - isdnvboxclient ISDN answering machine, client side (vbox). > + The component packages involved are: > + * isdnutils-base: the basic set of ISDN utilities; > + * ipppd: for networking over ISDN with syncPPP; > + * isdnlog: for logging ISDN calls (and much more); > + * isdnutils-xtools: graphical utilities (xisdnload and xmonisdn); > + * isdnvboxclient: ISDN answering machine client; > + * isdnvboxserver: ISDN answering machine server. Just standardised and homogenised. I'm not really convinced there's any point listing the hard dependencies, but never mind. > . > - Not selected (although dselect will suggest some) are: > - isdnutils-doc for extensive documentation (basic docs are of course > - included with each package). > - isdneurofile file transfer over ISDN with the special eurofile > protocol. > - capiutils CAPI utilies. > - pppdcapiplugin a plugin for the normal ppp daemon that uses CAPI to > - communicate over ISDN. > - libcapi20-3 shared library package needed by CAPI applications (will > be > - selected automatically when needed). > - libcapi20-dev libcapi20 development files. > - isdnactivecards firmware for mostly active ISDN cards, and other related > - tools. > + It also suggests the following optional extras: > + * capiutils: CAPI utilies; > + * isdneurofile: for file transfer over the EUROFILE protocol; > + * isdnutils-doc: additional documentation; > + * pppdcapiplugin: a CAPI plugin for the normal PPP daemon. That's homgenised, sorted, and updated; most importantly I've taken out the claims that isdnutils suggests isdnactivecards and so on. > Package: isdnutils-base [...] > -Description: ISDN utilities, the basic (minimal) set > +Description: ISDN utilities - minimal set Standardising on "$SUITE - $COMPONENT". > - These utilities are the basic set of ISDN utilities that you need when you > - have an ISDN card installed. For complete functionality comparable to the > - old isdnutils package, you also need the following packages: > - . > - ipppd for networking over ISDN with syncPPP > - isdnlog for logging ISDN calls (and much more) > - isdnutils-xtools for X ISDN apps (currently only xisdnload and xmonisdn) > - isdnutils-doc for extensive documentation (basic docs are of course > - included with each package) > - isdnvboxserver ISDN answering machine, things needed on a server system > - isdnvboxclient ISDN answering machine, client side (vbox) > + This package provides the basic set of ISDN utilities needed to make use > + of an ISDN card. For more complete functionality, install the isdnutils > + dependency package. Listing them all again here is quite pointless. > Package: isdnutils-xtools > Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k > mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What's going on here? (Likewise in later packages.) [...] > -Description: ISDN utilities that use X > +Description: ISDN utilities - graphical tools Standardising on "$SUITE - $COMPONENT". > - These are the graphical utilities for ISDN, xmonisdn and xisdnload. > - They provide, each in their own way, a visual indication of the status of > - the ISDN lines, so that it is directly obvious when there is a connection, > - for example. > + This package provides xmonisdn and xisdnload, which are graphical tools > + for ISDN. Each in its own way gives a visual indication of the status of > + the ISDN lines, so that (for example) it is obvious when there is a > + connection. Just slightly rephrased. > . > - This has been separated out of the main isdnutils package so that if you > - don't run X but do need ISDN, you don't have to include the X libraries > - unnecessarily. > + They have been split out into a separate package to allow the others > + in the suite to avoid dependencies on the X Window System. Give X its full name and cut down on second-person pronouns. > Package: ipppd [...] > -Description: PPP daemon for syncPPP over ISDN > +Description: ISDN utilities - PPP daemon Standardising on "$SUITE - $COMPONENT", and leaving out some technical details (I'm not sure they're still relevant for Linux 2.6). > - If you want to connect to the internet over ISDN with an internal ISDN card, > - you will need this. > - . > - Also needed for allowing dialins from Windows PCs over ISDN. > + This package provides the specially modified version of the Point to > + Point Protocol daemon needed to connect to the Internet through an > + internal ISDN card. It also supports dial-in connections from Windows > + clients. Eliminating some second person pronouns - the only time I've ever installed ISDN packages it wasn't because I wanted to, it was because I was doing my job! > Package: isdnlog [...] > -Description: ISDN connection logger > +Description: ISDN utilities - connection logger An easy one. > - isdnlog logs all ISDN connections, and can calculate the cost of calls. If > - sufficient data is available, it can even recommend which alternate carrier > - would have been cheaper for a given call. For countries where calls are > charged > - per discrete unit, it can disconnect the line just before the next unit > starts. > + This package provides a set of utilities that can log ISDN connections and > + calculate the cost of calls. If sufficient data is available, it can even > + recommend which alternate carrier would have been cheaper for a given call. > + For countries where calls are charged per discrete unit, it can disconnect > + the line just before the next unit starts. isdnlog.deb != /usr/sbin/isdnlog; start by putting it in context. > Package: isdnlog-data [...] > -Description: data for isdnlog users > - All data related to call pricing, area codes, etc. in various countries. > - Really only useful when used with isdnlog. > +Description: ISDN utilities - connection logger data > + This package provides data related to call pricing, area codes, etcetera, > + in various countries, and is only useful with isdnlog. Into sentences. > Package: isdnutils-doc [...] > -Description: Extensive documentation for isdnutils > - This includes the FAQ and other miscellaneous documentation. > - German-language docs also included. > +Description: ISDN utilities - documentation > + This package includes the FAQ and other miscellaneous documentation > + for the ISDN utilities suite, in English and German. The extensiveness of the isdn4linux docs is neatly counterbalanced by their outdatedness. > Package: isdnvbox [...] > -Description: ISDN answering machine, client and server > +Description: ISDN utilities - answering machine dependency package Standardised to go with its dependents. > Let your Debian system be your answering machine! Messages can be accessed > remotely, automatically emailed, etc. > . Keeping a bit entirely unmodified for once. > - This package is a helper to install both the client (with which you listen > to > - the messages) and the server (with which the messages are recorded) parts of > - the software. > + This package depends for convenience on both the vbox server (with which > + the messages are recorded) and the client (with which you listen to them). Well, for a start it isn't a software. > Package: isdnvboxclient [...] > -Description: ISDN answering machine, client > +Description: ISDN utilities - answering machine client > Let your Debian system be your answering machine! Messages can be accessed > remotely, automatically emailed, etc. > . > - This is the client part of the software, with which you can listen to the > - messages. Those messages are recorded on a system with the server part of > - the software (isdnvboxserver); that system may be elsewhere, as long as > - it can be connected to via a network. > + This package provides the vbox client, with which you can listen to the > + messages recorded by a vbox server (either running on the same machine or > + accessible over the network). Part of the point of this rewrite is that the originals don't quite mention vbox. > Package: isdnvboxserver [...] > -Description: ISDN answering machine, server > +Description: ISDN utilities - answering machine server > Let your Debian system be your answering machine! Messages can be accessed > remotely, automatically emailed, etc. > . > - This is the server part of the software. This is what needs to be installed > - on the system with the ISDN card. To actually listen to the recorded > messages > + This package provides the vbox server, which must be installed on the > + system with the ISDN card. To actually listen to the recorded messages > you need the client package (isdnvboxclient) somewhere, not necessarily on > the same system. This one doesn't need much reshuffling. > Package: capiutils [...] > -Description: Utilities for CAPI-capable ISDN cards > +Description: ISDN utilities - tools for CAPI-capable cards > Some ISDN cards (notably the AVM active cards, and the AVM passive cards > when using the proprietary drivers) are accessed via the CAPI interface. > The package contains utilities to initialize and get information about > these cards. > - . > - See /usr/share/doc/capiutils/* for some (rudimentary) info. I don't understand CAPI enough to fiddle with this, partly because there's absolutely no information in /usr/share/doc/capiutils. > Package: libcapi20-3 [...] > -Description: libraries for CAPI support > +Description: ISDN utilities - CAPI support libraries > If you have an ISDN card with which CAPI works, you may be able to use > - applications that use CAPI, e.g. a fax system. At this point, AVM cards can > + CAPI-capable applications such as fax systems. At this point, AVM cards can > work with CAPI, as well as some active cards. For the AVM passive cards you > need to visit the www.AVM.de website. > . > - If you need this package, it will be installed automatically via > dependencies, > - no need to select it yourself. > + This package will be installed automatically if needed. Englishing "e.g." and trimming some second-person waffle. > Package: libcapi20-dev [...] > -Description: libraries for CAPI support > +Description: ISDN utilities - CAPI development libraries > If you have an ISDN card with which CAPI works, you may be able to use > - applications that use CAPI, e.g. a fax system. At this point, AVM cards can > + CAPI-capable applications such as fax systems. At this point, AVM cards can > work with CAPI, as well as some active cards. For the AVM passive cards you > need to visit the www.AVM.de website. > . > - If you need this package, it will be installed automatically via > dependencies, > - no need to select it yourself. > + This package provides files needed for development of CAPI-aware software. Ditto, and fixing the lie in the last paragraph. > Package: pppdcapiplugin [...] > -Description: plugin for pppd to communicate with CAPI-capable ISDN cards > +Description: ISDN utilities - pppd plug-in for CAPI support Standardising. > - Some ISDN cards (notably the AVM passive cards, when a module from the AVM > - website is loaded) can be used by CAPI utilities. > - This is a plugin for the regular PPP daemon to use CAPI on such cards. > - . > - See /usr/share/doc/pppdcapiplugin/* for some (rudimentary) info. > + Some ISDN cards can be used by CAPI utilities - for instance the AVM > + passive cards, when a module from the AVM website is loaded. > + . > + This package provides a plug-in for the regular PPP daemon to use CAPI > + on such cards. Again, I'm not sure I understand this, partly because there's nothing worth pointing at in /usr/share/doc/pppdcapiplugin (users are better off going straight to Google). Is it talking about proprietary firmware blobs? > Package: isdnactivecards [...] > -Description: support utilities for active ISDN cards > +Description: ISDN utilities - active ISDN card support Standardising. > - If you have an active ISDN card, you will need things like firmware and the > - means to load that firmware into that card. The utilities are contained in > - this package. > - . > - See /usr/share/doc/isdnactivecards/* for more information. > + This package provides firmware and firmware-loading utilities for active > + ISDN cards (the Eicon, Eicon Diva, ICN, IBM Active 2000, or PCBIT-D cards). More firmware blobs? The documentation pointer in this case is pointing at a README in (legacy-encoded) Portuguese. I got the details here from man pages. > Package: isdneurofile [...] > -Description: ISDN eurofile transfer tool > +Description: ISDN utilities - EUROFILE support No two sources agree whether it's eurofile, Eurofile, EuroFile, EUROfile, or EUROFILE, but I'll follow the eftp man page. > - If you want to send / receive files over an ISDN line with the eurofile > - system, you need this package. Not used much outside of Germany I > - believe (and not much there either). > + This package provides tools for sending/receiving files over an ISDN > + connection via the EUROFILE protocol, which is not used much outside of > + Germany (or even inside it). Second person is one thing; first person singular is right out. -- JBR with qualifications in linguistics, experience as a Debian sysadmin, and probably no clue about this particular package
Source: isdnutils Section: utils Priority: extra Maintainer: Debian QA Group <packa...@qa.debian.org> Uploaders: Paul Slootman <p...@debian.org> Standards-Version: 3.7.3 Build-Depends: debhelper (>=5), bzip2, libncurses5-dev | libncurses-dev, xutils-dev | imake, tcl8.3-dev, linuxdoc-tools (>=0.9.20), groff, libtool, libxaw7-dev, libreadline5-dev | libreadline-dev, libpcap0.8-dev, autotools-dev, automake1.4, automake1.7, automake1.9, autoconf2.13, autoconf, libssl-dev, psutils, lsb-release, po-debconf Package: isdnutils Priority: optional Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Depends: isdnutils-base (= ${binary:Version}), ipppd, isdnlog, isdnutils-xtools, isdnvboxserver, isdnvboxclient, openbsd-inetd | inet-superserver, ${misc:Depends} Suggests: isdnutils-doc, isdneurofile, pppdcapiplugin, capiutils Conflicts: ipppd (<<1:3.1pre1b-23) Description: ISDN utilities - dependency package This package depends on the most frequently used components for an ISDN system using an internal adapter; they are not required for an external adapter. . The isdnutils suite is split up into component packages, to make it easier to fine-tune what is installed; hardly anyone needs everything. However, it's not possible to select what is needed automatically. This dependency package just ensures the most important components are installed, and can be safely removed again once that is done. . The component packages involved are: * isdnutils-base: the basic set of ISDN utilities; * ipppd: for networking over ISDN with syncPPP; * isdnlog: for logging ISDN calls (and much more); * isdnutils-xtools: graphical utilities (xisdnload and xmonisdn); * isdnvboxclient: ISDN answering machine client; * isdnvboxserver: ISDN answering machine server. . It also suggests the following optional extras: * capiutils: CAPI utilies; * isdneurofile: for file transfer over the EUROFILE protocol; * isdnutils-doc: additional documentation; * pppdcapiplugin: a CAPI plugin for the normal PPP daemon. Package: isdnutils-base Priority: optional Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Pre-Depends: debconf (>= 1.2.9) | debconf-2.0 Depends: udev | makedev (>= 2.3.1-77), ${shlibs:Depends}, lsb-base (>= 1.3-9ubuntu3), ${misc:Depends} Suggests: ipppd, isdnlog, isdnutils-doc, isdnutils-xtools, isdnvboxserver, isdnvboxclient Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-23) Description: ISDN utilities - minimal set This package provides the basic set of ISDN utilities needed to make use of an ISDN card. For more complete functionality, install the isdnutils dependency package. Package: isdnutils-xtools Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Section: x11 Depends: isdnutils-base (= ${binary:Version}), ${shlibs:Depends}, ${misc:Depends} Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0) Description: ISDN utilities - graphical tools This package provides xmonisdn and xisdnload, which are graphical tools for ISDN. Each in its own way gives a visual indication of the status of the ISDN lines, so that (for example) it is obvious when there is a connection. . They have been split out into a separate package to allow the others in the suite to avoid dependencies on the X Window System. Package: ipppd Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Section: net Depends: isdnutils-base (= ${binary:Version}), debconf (>=1.2.9) | debconf-2.0, ppp, ${shlibs:Depends}, udev | makedev Suggests: pdnsd Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0) Description: ISDN utilities - PPP daemon This package provides the specially modified version of the Point to Point Protocol daemon needed to connect to the Internet through an internal ISDN card. It also supports dial-in connections from Windows clients. Package: isdnlog Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Depends: isdnutils-base (= ${binary:Version}), isdnlog-data (>= ${binary:Version}), debconf (>=1.2.9) | debconf-2.0, ${shlibs:Depends}, ${misc:Depends} Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0) Description: ISDN utilities - connection logger This package provides a set of utilities that can log ISDN connections and calculate the cost of calls. If sufficient data is available, it can even recommend which alternate carrier would have been cheaper for a given call. For countries where calls are charged per discrete unit, it can disconnect the line just before the next unit starts. Package: isdnlog-data Architecture: all Depends: ${misc:Depends} Recommends: isdnlog (>= ${source:Version}) Description: ISDN utilities - connection logger data This package provides data related to call pricing, area codes, etcetera, in various countries, and is only useful with isdnlog. Package: isdnutils-doc Architecture: all Section: doc Depends: ${misc:Depends} Conflicts: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-1) Suggests: isdnutils-base (= ${source:Version}) Description: ISDN utilities - documentation This package includes the FAQ and other miscellaneous documentation for the ISDN utilities suite, in English and German. Package: isdnvbox Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Conflicts: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-1) Depends: isdnvboxclient, isdnvboxserver, ${misc:Depends} Recommends: sox Description: ISDN utilities - answering machine dependency package Let your Debian system be your answering machine! Messages can be accessed remotely, automatically emailed, etc. . This package depends for convenience on both the vbox server (with which the messages are recorded) and the client (with which you listen to them). Package: isdnvboxclient Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Conflicts: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-1), isdnvbox (<<1:3.1pre1b-2) Depends: ${shlibs:Depends}, sox | nas-bin | alsa-utils, ${misc:Depends} Suggests: isdnvboxserver Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0) Description: ISDN utilities - answering machine client Let your Debian system be your answering machine! Messages can be accessed remotely, automatically emailed, etc. . This package provides the vbox client, with which you can listen to the messages recorded by a vbox server (either running on the same machine or accessible over the network). Package: isdnvboxserver Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Conflicts: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-1),isdnvbox (<<1:3.1pre1b-2) Depends: isdnutils-base (= ${binary:Version}), debconf (>=1.2.9) | debconf-2.0, ${shlibs:Depends}, openbsd-inetd | inet-superserver, udev | makedev, ${misc:Depends} Suggests: isdnvboxclient Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0) Description: ISDN utilities - answering machine server Let your Debian system be your answering machine! Messages can be accessed remotely, automatically emailed, etc. . This package provides the vbox server, which must be installed on the system with the ISDN card. To actually listen to the recorded messages you need the client package (isdnvboxclient) somewhere, not necessarily on the same system. Package: capiutils Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Depends: libcapi20-3 (= ${binary:Version}), ${shlibs:Depends}, lsb-base (>= 1.3-9ubuntu3), udev | makedev, ${misc:Depends} Replaces: isdnactivecards (<< 1:3.6.2004-12-19-1) Section: net Description: ISDN utilities - tools for CAPI-capable cards Some ISDN cards (notably the AVM active cards, and the AVM passive cards when using the proprietary drivers) are accessed via the CAPI interface. The package contains utilities to initialize and get information about these cards. Package: libcapi20-3 Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Section: libs Depends: ${shlibs:Depends}, ${misc:Depends} Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0), libcapi20, libcapi20-2 Conflicts: libcapi20, libcapi20-2 Description: ISDN utilities - CAPI support libraries If you have an ISDN card with which CAPI works, you may be able to use CAPI-capable applications such as fax systems. At this point, AVM cards can work with CAPI, as well as some active cards. For the AVM passive cards you need to visit the www.AVM.de website. . This package will be installed automatically if needed. Package: libcapi20-dev Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Section: libdevel Depends: libcapi20-3 (= ${binary:Version}), ${shlibs:Depends}, ${misc:Depends} Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0), libcapi20, libcapi20-2 Conflicts: libcapi20, libcapi20-2 Description: ISDN utilities - CAPI development libraries If you have an ISDN card with which CAPI works, you may be able to use CAPI-capable applications such as fax systems. At this point, AVM cards can work with CAPI, as well as some active cards. For the AVM passive cards you need to visit the www.AVM.de website. . This package provides files needed for development of CAPI-aware software. Package: pppdcapiplugin Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Depends: ppp (>=2.3.11), libcapi20-3 (= ${binary:Version}), ${shlibs:Depends}, ${misc:Depends} Section: net Description: ISDN utilities - pppd plug-in for CAPI support Some ISDN cards can be used by CAPI utilities - for instance the AVM passive cards, when a module from the AVM website is loaded. . This package provides a plug-in for the regular PPP daemon to use CAPI on such cards. Package: isdnactivecards Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Depends: isdnutils-base (= ${binary:Version}), capiutils (>= ${binary:Version}), ${shlibs:Depends}, ${misc:Depends} Replaces: isdnutils (<<1:3.1pre1b-0) Description: ISDN utilities - active ISDN card support This package provides firmware and firmware-loading utilities for active ISDN cards (the Eicon, Eicon Diva, ICN, IBM Active 2000, or PCBIT-D cards). Package: isdneurofile Architecture: alpha amd64 arm armeb armel armeb armel hppa i386 ia64 m68k mips mipsel powerpc ppc64 sparc s390 Section: comm Depends: isdnutils-base (= ${binary:Version}), ${shlibs:Depends}, ${misc:Depends} Description: ISDN utilities - EUROFILE support This package provides tools for sending/receiving files over an ISDN connection via the EUROFILE protocol, which is not used much outside of Germany (or even inside it).