Bob, I just tried to post a reply to your tree sync thread but it was deleted. Here is my reply:
>> how to get my ports synced with cvs
You first need to track -STABLE branch. Since you have never recompiled a kernel, apparently you are not running -STABLE and you shouldn't cvsup your ports tree in the first place.
>> also when is the best time to compile kernel
Before installing any packages or ports.
>> got my cvsupdating
You can quit that now, don't waste your time any further. As I said, FreeBSD users running, say 4.4-RELEASE, can cvsup their ports tree but can't make install particular software because latest ports collection is for users who track -STABLE. Though there is a way for -RELEASE users to cvsup and update to the latest ports collection but I don't recommend that unclean way of doing things in FreeBSD.
What you should do now:
1) quit cvsup your ports
2) rm -rf /usr/ports
3) reinstall original ports from CD
4) cvsup upgrade to 4.4-STABLE (as of today it should be 4.5-PRERELEASE)
5) recompile a kernel (this alone gives you alot to mess around with)
6) cvsup your ports
Keep in mind, 4.5-PRERELASE is in beta stage (not so stable). Should you try track -STABLE at this time, you'd better off just wait another month or so to make your life easier.