What is software package? - Definition from Whatis.com

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software package

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software package

A software package is an assemblage of files and information about those files.

Linux distributions are usually installed as separate software packages, each of which is a particular application, such as a Web browser or a development environment. Each package includes an archive of files and information about the software, such as its name, the specific version and a description. A package management system (PMS), such as rpm or YUM, automates the installation process.

The term is also sometimes used to refer to bundled product suites, such as Microsoft Office.

Related glossary terms: Hardy Heron (Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Server Edition) , high-performance computing (HPC), Open Directory Project (ODP), copyleft, LiveDistro, Yellowdog Updater, Modified (YUM), BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) , shell, Free Software Foundation (FSF) , Tcl/Tk (Tool Command Language)

This was last updated in April 2010

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