Puppy Linux: Installing New Applications

The PETget Package Manager is the main package system for Puppy Linux: making the process of locating Puppy Linux software, downloading and installing the program, one simple process that requires virtually no user intervention. The PETget Package Manager is part of the Install options in Puppy Linux and is accessible from the desktop. Despite it's easy to use interface, Puppy Linux provides a link to the PET Package Manager introduction website with brief summary about its operation, history and in-depth details on how to use it. While the information can be a bit technical at times, it provides a clear picture of how Puppy Linux is truly in a class of its own.

Accessing the PETget Package Manager

With the Puppy Linux PETget Package Manager, you have access to a world of free Linux software at your disposal, and the installation process doesn't get any easier than this.

1. From the desktop, click on Install. This will open the Install options window.
2. In the PET package manager section located on the lower half of the window, click on the button labeled "Click button to run the PETget package manager".
3. The PETget package manager window will now open.

The PETget package manager window has four distinct sections that work with one another:

1. PET package repository is listed across the top. Here, you are able to select the Puppy Linux software of your choice based on the version. Keep in mind that they are backwards compatible and that older programs do run on newer Puppy Linux versions.
2. Categories on the left column can help you locate the specific Linux programs you seek.
3. The Package Description section in the center lists the Linux programs pertaining to the category and repository you select.
4. Installed Packages section on the bottom provides you with a list of installed applications.

Once the PETget Package Manager is opened, locating a program to download and install is easily done via a couple of mouse clicks.

1. Choose the PET package repository of choice above. Always start with Official Puppy 4.
2. Select the category on the left. By default, the "All" category is selected, but this will list all the available Linux apps. Streamline your search by selecting an individual category.
3. Review the list of available free Linux software to download and install. If you are not able to find what you are looking for, you can always select the next available PET package repository from the top.
4. When you have located your program, simply click on it once. This will launch the installer.
5. If asked to select a download site, click on the first one listed. You can choose the others later if the original download site is unavailable.
6. The wget window will appear, displaying the status of the download and the installation.
7. When complete, a status window will appear. Click on OK to close.

Your new Puppy Linux application is ready for use. Click on Menu, go to the application's category and launch it.

The process can be repeated for additional Linux programs you wish to install.