[ubuntu-za] Update library?

[Matthew French]

On 01 Dec 2008, at 1:21 PM, Alex Faure wrote:
> I have 3 computers I am setting up with Ubuntu.
>
> Is there a simple way to ensure that I only update files (and  
> download new programs) once?
>
> Obviously I am trying to create a server based update process - but  
> I cannot see an easy way to do this.

Another option to look at would be squid, which is a general purpose  
HTTP proxy (and more):
http://tinyurl.com/23vos7

Unfortunately it does not really meet your "simple" requirement.  
Especially if you want to make it a transparent proxy - in other words  
it caches downloads without the client even knowing about the proxy  
server. But it is not that difficult to get working either.

If you have some time, it is worth looking into. And if, like most of  
us, you are on a slow South African consumer networks, then squid can  
save you bandwidth whilst making the web browsing experience  
considerably more pleasant.

And an added bonus is that it will cache your apt files too - if it is  
properly configured. I normally set one PC to download updates  
automatically, and then the others download almost instantly when I am  
ready.

Just a thought. The other suggestions will work as well.

- Matthew