backports libfreetype6 package

[Penguin Skinner]

Anybody try the libfreetype6 package that just became available for upgrade in squeeze backports -- 2.4.8-1~bpo60+1? No useful granularity/control over the font sizes I use, 10 pt now smaller, and the jump to 11 pt is *huge*. Maybe something odd in my config, I dunno. Just checking.

[jheaton5]

libfreetype6 v 2.4.8-1 is available in unstable and I have it installed on my system. I have not noticed the issues you mention, if that's any help.

[Penguin Skinner]

libfreetype6 v 2.4.8-1 is available in unstable and I have it installed on my system. I have not noticed the issues you mention, if that's any help.

That is a help, thanks. Maybe not what I'd hoped to hear but reality trumps wishing thinking. Two question: Are you running sid, or stable with libfreetype6 (and maybe other packages) from unstable installed? Also what font(s) are you using, especially in your xterm or similar?

The behavior I'm seeing is pretty odd, it's like there's this gap in available font size and it happens to be right at the size I like and am very used to. Fonts render fine, nice and clean ... just there seem to be sizes missing. And in fairness, the fact that I'd had an opthalmic migraine earlier yesterday morning didn't help.

I gave up trying to understand font stuff a long time ago ... but one thing I've found very, very helpful: 'man defoma-user'.

[nadir]

I gave up trying to understand font stuff a long time ago

Same here. That being said:

Code: Select all

$ dpkg -l | grep libfree
ii  libfreetype6:i386                    2.4.8-1                         FreeType 2 font engine, shared library files
ii  libfreetype6-dev                     2.4.8-1                         FreeType 2 font engine, development files
$

And as far i can tell i ain't got problems (from 10 to 11 or else).
I am using Debian Sid on this machine.
As i got no clues about fonts i usually use "Monospace" or some form of "Terminus".
I ain't got any configs for fonts which i added myself (as far i remember).

I think i remeber that jheaton uses Sid too (at least on his daily ride).
I will install libfreetype6 from backports on my refracta (basically Debian stable) machine later and check that. If i don't post i did not run into problems.

[jheaton5]

Two question: Are you running sid, or stable with libfreetype6 (and maybe other packages) from unstable installed?

I'm running sid/experimental

Also what font(s) are you using, especially in your xterm or similar?

I'm using monospace 10 in lxterm and leafpad.

[Penguin Skinner]

Well, this is embarrassing. Somehow I never realized before that you're not limited to round number font sizes in the drop down box for font settings in various programs; just enter a decimal value like 10.5 in the field above the drop down box. Voilà! No idea why this would suddenly be necessary, but what the heck, all seems good now.

Taking the walk of shame, I am....

edit to add, 25 Mar 2012: Just want to comment, the quality of fonts now is noticeably improved; in fact I'm really kind of blown away. This is a real boon, since my vision is sometimes a little wonky anymore.

Probably if not for you guys replying, I would have just left the old package version installed. Thanks for encouraging me to stay at it and sort things out.