Dot deb and php archives

[BigStamp]

Im a bit of a newbi when it comes to managing my server but I've managed quite well so far using Debian and dot deb.

But I need to reinstall my server and the current versions of php seem to be full of bugs and not work properly.

Can some one help me with the steps on how to install a earlier version of php from the dot deb archives and how to stop it updating when I do a apt-get upgrade.

I've searched the Internet but can seem to find a how two on the subject.


Thanks in advance.

[Grumpy]

Actual answer: I don't know.
Even if I knew, compiling a step by step instruction on doing such is a lot of work. I hope you realize that. Frankly, I don't think anyone over a free forum would be willing to do that.

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Alternate #1 would be to get an old os where the maintained packages are of php 5.2 by default.

Alternate #2 would be OSes that update slowly like centos and then use atomic repo (which still carries 5.2) and use that to install.

Alternate #3 An even better option is to fix what ever that gets broken with php5.3 or 5.4.

[PeterUK]

If you can reinstall then as Grumpy says, go for something like CentOS which is very stable, or even Ubuntu Server which has very friendly package management and a huge support community.