15.2. Let's Install a Package

Now that you are familiar with the global interface, we will install a package. We'll choose a clear example, but it may be possible that this package is already installed on your system. If this is the case, it does not matter, just use another one in order to experiment. Of course, to experiment we must choose a package in the Installable packages list. So select this list if you have not done so yet.

As an example, we'll chose the emacs-pcomplete package. To find it more easily, use the Flat List, which is alphabetically ordered, or the search field. Once you have found it, select it by clicking in the square box next to its name. It then appears in the Selected block on the right-hand side, and various information are given such as the package's version and size.

Now, to install it, simply click on the button labeled Install / Remove, on the left of the button bar at the top of the window. RpmDrake will then invoke RpmInst, the wizard which will guide you through the various steps for installing the package.

Figure 15-4. RpmInst replacing RpmDrake

After a few seconds, you see the wizard's window covering the area of the RpmDrake's window. When launched from RpmDrake, RpmInst starts by giving you information about the needed dependencies: either a list or a short text telling you everything is fine. If there are dependencies, you'll see either only one package or a list, with information displayed in the same fashion as the bottom-right in RpmDrake.

"But", you ask, "What is a dependency?" Some packages can not work if other packages are not installed. In our example, the emacs-pcomplete package can not work if the emacs package is not installed. In this case, we say that emacs belongs to emacs-pcomplete's dependencies. This is what is displayed in the above window. This information is provided by urpmq, a command-line tool (you can find more information about urpmq in the associated man page: urpmq(8)).

In some cases though, all the package's dependencies you want to install are already installed. In those cases, you won't even see this page, and start at the next page.

Figure 15-5. Install in progress under RpmInst

Now the installation really begins (at last!). You see in the window three rows, to show you what's happening and the overall progression: these rows come from urpmi (another command-line tool, see urpmi(8) for more details). During the process, some events may occur:

When the installation is done, you can exit the wizard and go back to RpmDrake.


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