Introduction to Packages
A software package is a collection of files that make up a program. These
files may all be combined into one package file for distribution or
downloading, to be extracted and placed in their correct locations when
the package is installed.
A package management system automates most of the work in installing and
deleting programs. Because packages are usually pre-compiled, you do not
have to worry about Makefiles and configure scripts when
installing. Because the package management system keeps track of all
packages, it can remove all trace of a program when uninstalling.
Installed Packages
Packages are organised into classes and subclasses, like System
or X11/Utilities. At the top of the main page is a tree of folders
and packages, in which each folder represents a class. To open a folder, simply
click on it. To view more information about a package, click on its name.
Below the package tree is a form for searching the package database. This
will search for packages whose name or description matches whatever text
you enter.
Install a New Package
Below the package search button is a form for installing a new package.
You may install either from a file on your system, a file on the computer
on which you are running your web browser, or from an FTP or HTTP URL.
In the last case, CP+ will contact the FTP server or web site and download
the package file. If your system is behind a firewall, make sure you have
the proxy servers configured correctly in the CP+ Configuration
module.
Identify a File
At the bottom of the main page is a form for identifying some file on
your system. You may enter either an absolute path like
/etc/inetd.conf, or a command like elm. CP+ will attempt
to find the file in the package management system, and display information
about the file and the packages that use it.