[Tfug] Following the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard in Debian

[Glen Pfeiffer]

For the whole of my Debian GNU/Linux experience I've been 
sheltered  by the official Debian repository mirrors, 
backports.org, and Debian Multimedia. I've not had need or desire 
to build packages from source nor have I put any files outside 
/home and /etc. Don't get me wrong; I've built packages on 
*other* systems (notably FreeBsd), but not on Debian.

I would now like to do some of the following tasks while keeping 
my fingers out of the apt-get/aptitude directories so they remain 
pristine:

1. Build and install software like Parrot, or Firefox 3. Where 
   should I 'configure' it to put the files?

2. Install deb packages from unofficial sources. What is the best 
   way to be sure that the packages put things where Debian would 
   expect them to? I assume that I will have to inspect the 
   package. Are there any automated tools for this?

3. Install modules for Perl/Python/Ruby. I've read about the 
   issues with Ruby Gems and how it installs the gems in 
   directories where Debian does not want them. Would it be best 
   to avoid their package management systems, CPAN/Eggs/Gems, and 
   manually install so they won't intrude in directories that 
   they should not?

4. Local web development. Where should I put my those files? Is a 
   directory under ~/ the most appropriate? I think someone 
   mentioned putting them under /var.

5. Run local MySql/PostreSql databases. Where should the data 
   files go?

6. Create one or more local Subversion repositories. Where should 
   they go?

7. Create system wide (non root) scripts. They will be executable 
   by all local users. Again, where should I put them?

I know there is not necessarily a 'one true way' but is there a 
best practice?

-- 
Glen