Software Packages

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.