In the Linux world, it is very easy to install a software or driver that is already included in the software repositories of the specific distro. However, if you want to install a program that is not already in the default repositories, then you will have to add the source yourself. This maybe a headache for the new Linux users. In the latest version of openSUSE, it has improved its package manager a lot. One nice feature I really like is its “1-click-install” system that helps openSUSE users to install software more easily.
Easy Installation
If you go to opensuse.org and search for a software or driver that you want to install, you maybe presented with a one-click-install icon contained in the tutorial in the search result. If you get this icon, then all you need to do is to click on it and it will automatically add the required repositories to the package manager and download the necessary packages. The software package manager will then install the software for you. It eliminates the step to manually add the source repositories and import the GnuPG keys.
For example, if you go to http://en.opensuse.org/Nvidia, you are presented with a tutorial on how to install the Nvidia graphic driver. If you are using the latest version of openSUSE which is 10.3, then you are given the option to use the “1-Click-Install” method. Comparing to the steps for installing the driver in version 10.2, it would have taken you 5 to 6 steps to install the driver when there is no “1-click-install” and you would need to type commands in a terminal window. This is not user friendly for the new Linux users.
A Better Future
I think the “1-Click-Install” system is still in its premature stage as there are very few software and drivers that can be installed through this method. I hope the developers will use this function more on other software installation. In the long run, I think we will see more of “1-Click-Install” or similar methods provided by openSUSE and other distro. This should be the way to help users to install the software that can not be included in the default software repositories due to whatever reasons.
[…] Portal is very similar to OpenSUSE’s One-Click-Install system which I have described in here. By just clicking the install button on the Software Portal site, you can install some popular […]