GD image library requirement during installation

[jmcgin51]

When did this become a requirement for installation, and why isn't this noted in the FAQs - http://www.cmsmadesimple.org/support/faq  ?

I have 1.4.1 installed in a production environment (I know, needs an upgrade, which is why I'm here asking this.)

I tried to upgrade to 1.5.3 last night, and the installer failed the GD check.  I don't have access to the server itself, only FTP access.  It is a Linux/Apache environment with MySQL 4.1 and PHP 4.3.9.

Obviously GD wasn't a requirement to install 1.4.1, because I wouldn't have been able to install it.

So, my questions are:

1. When did GD become a requirement?

2. What exactly requires GD?

3. Is there any way around this requirement so that I can get my installation updated?

Thanks!!

[drew]

Am also in the process of updating to 1.6 and this error was reported. The message is unclear as to whether this is a PHP, Apache or some other library:

 "The GD library is mandatory for some modules and functionality."

Thanks for all suggestions.

Just found a 'hint' in another thread: GD library is for PHP.

[drew]

Solution: # aptitude install php5-gd

Workaround? Possibly hacking the PHP install scripts.