Felmon Davis composed on 2014-12-27 13:33 (UTC-0500):

>> You can safely remove 'meta-packages'...start with 'tde-trinity' since it
>> pulls in a 'full' TDE desktop enviroment.

> so this is precisely what I don't understand. if so much depends on a 
> meta-package, how can it be safe to remove the meta-package? there are 
> dependencies here that I definitely do not want to remove. does 
> removal of a meta-package leave the dependent apps intact?

Meta-packages decide what gets added to or included in an installation.
Choosing to remove one removes it only.
-- 
"The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant
words are persuasive." Proverbs 16:21 (New Living Translation)

 Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 ** a11y rocks!

Felix Miata  ***  http://fm.no-ip.com/