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How A Package System Works
The method of software distribution found in the proprietary software industry usually entails buying a piece of installation media such as an “install disk” and then running an “installation wizard” to install a new application on the system.
Linux doesn't work that way. Virtually all software for a Linux system will be found on the Internet. Most of it will be provided by the distribution vendor in the form of package files and the rest will be available in source code form that can be installed manually. We'll talk about how to install software by compiling source code in chapter 23.