Recent Updates Confused My Grub

[azziam]

[Edited to split part to a separate thread]
During the last few days, I've had some updates 2 or 3 times. A week or so ago I enabled/added Testing repos hoping I might get a glimpse of things to come but maybe that is really reserved for official testers. I have gotten subsequent updates though that have confused me. I always click to add any updates that come along. A day or two ago updates included Boot 3.12.25-server-3.mga4. So, now I have a new server addition to my bootup GRUB menu but clicking on it just opens my normal Mate desktop. I also now have another new GRUB entry for Boot Mageia 4 and of course I already had that as named "Mageia 4". So now I have 3 ways to boot the same system and I don't need this. I wanted to check and edit my menu.lst in /boot/grub but I can't open it. Is it easy to add the rt. click "open as administrator" option in Caja or is that dependent on a whole Mate upgrade?
[edit - I logged in as root and edited the menu.lst but just being able to open it as root without logging out/in would have been easier and faster.]

[jkerr82508]

Testing repositories are disabled by default for a very good reason - the packages have not been tested, and could cause unexpected results. Mageia Update does not use testing repo's unless you also mark them as update sources - which is not recommended. There are no "official testers". Mageia is a community distribution and anyone who wishes to can assist the QA process by participating in testing:
https://wiki.mageia.org/en/QA_process_f ... ng_updates

To edit a file as root - open a terminal, become root

Code: Select all

su -

and launch a text editor by entering, for example:

Code: Select all

gedit

When a new kernel is installed Mageia leaves the previous kernel installed in case the new kernel causes problems. Once you are satisfied that the new kernel is functioning correctly, you can, if you wish, remove the old one using the Software Manager. Deleting the kernel entry in menu.lst does no more than remove a line of text on the boot menu.

Jim

[azziam]

I should clarify, for me, Mageia is an extra distro in an extra machine for the purpose of checking it out. So, stability isn't as important to me as it is in my other solid machines. Still, I try to learn how to operate it to work as well as I'd like and I appreciate any and all advice. I am so accustomed to the rt. click option for "open as admin" I didn't automatically think of opening an editor via the terminal. At least once it's open, the file can just be dragged onto to it. I'm lazy when I can avoid some typing. Mainly I believe when there is a quicker way, I want to use it.

It hadn't dawned on me that I evidently got a new kernel as I now assume 3.12.25 must be(?) So, if I can boot either kernel, that's a good thing, although I won't know the difference unless something breaks. When I mentioned "official testers" I was referring to the list of those volunteering to test new .iso's. I tried to find a way to join that list where it was indicated but I saw no way to do it. Then I decided since I'm not qualified to debug anything I probably can't be very constructive so I'll just wait. I admit to getting impatient since I am used to rolling releases.

[doktor5000]

When I mentioned "official testers" I was referring to the list of those volunteering to test new .iso's. I tried to find a way to join that list where it was indicated but I saw no way to do it. Then I decided since I'm not qualified to debug anything I probably can't be very constructive so I'll just wait. I admit to getting impatient since I am used to rolling releases.

You wanted to join the mailing list for the QA team? You went to https://ml.mageia.org/wwsympa-wrapper.f ... qa-discuss and you couldn't subscribe?
You need to login (at the top of the screen, right sidde) and then click the Subscribe button in the left panel.

Or what was the issue?

[azziam]

First, I had opened Isadora's post, Mageia Wants You for Testing:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=7938
Halfway through Claire's message in that post it says,

If you intend to take part in pre-release ISO testing please add your
details here: https://wiki.mageia.org/en/QA_ISO_testers

That was where I left off because I couldn't see how to add my name and email. I may not have debugging skills but I do know how to report bugs when I think I'm seeing one. I see that page requires a login also. Does this mean setting up a new account different than my forum ID and PW?

[filip]

Does this mean setting up a new account different than my forum ID and PW?

No. Just log in and edit. And welcome .

[doktor5000]

For questions about your Mageia.Org account (and what you can do with it), see https://wiki.mageia.org/en/Mageia.org_user_account
The same account that you use for the forum, can be used to login to the wiki and contribute there.