5.3.1 Using dselect

If a system has many packages which include -dev packages, etc., the following method using dselect is recommended for fine-grained package control.

     # dselect update  # always do this before upgrade
     # dselect select  # select additional packages

All your current packages will be selected when dselect starts. dselect may prompt you with additional packages based on Depends, Suggests, and Recommends. If you do not want to add any packages, just type Q to exit dselect again.

     # dselect install

You will have to answer some package configuration questions during this part of the process, so have your notes ready and allow some time for this part. See dselect, Section 6.2.4.

Use dselect. It always works :)