So, If I do this, my cache will not be cleared and I can periodically backup my debs every week or so? And further, I will have to manually clear it periodically?

Also in the wiki, there is a warning:
So this means that if I keep my cache uncleaned for long, it can brick my system?

Yes well..you will learn to hate the rootfs (or the lack of space in it..).

The rootfs is very fast memory and is only 256MB (It is not RAM). Here only the most important (with the most need to be accessed) system files and application files should be kept since the space is very limited.

For some strange reason some of the debs are stored in the rootfs (/var/ is in rootfs). Now if rootfs fills up, the device will become unresponsive. You won't receive new messages, media won't be updated and many other problems. So do check that it doesn't fill up.

An app called Conky is a good way to monitor your rootfs usage. You can also use an app called 'storage usage' to easily have more detail of what is eating up space.

P.S. It's good that you are taking the time to read the wiki.

Whoa! Your mention of rootfs led down a deep deep rabbit hole (I've been hearing about rootfs, but never bothered about it till now). I see that for N8x0 there was an extendedrootfilesystem that increased rootfs space. Nothing similiar for n900?

Also in app manager, there is an app savedebz. What exactly does it do? Download all the debz as required and move it to SD card?


Thanks for the heads up on conky.


You know what they say, RTFM . But speaking of which is there no man pages for maemo apps?

doesn't it got a description in the app manager?

Description in App manager: Easily copy/download pacakges to SD card and back.
My doubt was whether this recovered .debs from temporary cache or whether it downloaded all debs and stored it in SD. I think it does the latter, which may be my only choice for now.