Package/Build-From-Source Management

[Bob Nielsen]

>
> Hi,
>
> I often need to download, build, and install software from source, but
> when I do, the package management system doesn't know about the new
> software.  Can anyone tell me how to properly manage things so
> built-from-source software doesn't mess up the package manager?

Install the checkinstall package.  Checkinstall is then used in place  
of 'make install' and will create a .deb package and install it so  
the package management system is aware of the software.

>
> Another thing that worries me is that in practice several package
> management systems might be in use at any time.  For example, Intel's
> C++ compiler is only distributed as an RPM.  How should I manage the
> interaction among these different systems?

Install the alien package.  It can be used to convert from rpm to deb  
(and vice-versa).