Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

Here's the 18th topic in the Helping new users series

Thanks
wizard

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This topic assumes you are using one of the recommended distros or remasters.

Yes, they are all FREE.

There are four common types of application packages:
-Installed, usually a .pet or .deb file, click them and they will install on your system - installed apps take up space in the save file/folder
-Portable, these are usually a single compressed file that you right click to unpack and then run - portable apps can be stored outside the save file/folder consuming none of that space
-Appimages, these are usually a single compressed file that you just click to run - appimage apps can be stored outside the save file/folder consuming none of that space
-SFS file, click these and they are installed into your system - SFS apps can be stored outside the save file/folder consuming none of that space

Note: portable and appimages may not create a menu entry

There are many sources for adding applications. Official Puppy applications come in .pet packages, but other packages like .deb may work too. Here is where to look:

-click Menu>Setup>quickpet fossa (name may be slightly different, also not available in all distros)
Here you will find a small collection of common programs, just click one to install.

-click Menu>Setup>Puppy Package Manager
The PPM can access the official Puppy and parent Ubuntu repositories. Applications selected here can be automatically installed.

CAUTION: although the (recommended) Puppy's are built from Ubuntu, all Ubuntu packages may not work and some may corrupt your save file/folder (remember to backup first).

Check the Puppy Linux Forum, Advanced Topics, Additional Software for applications and links to other repositories.
If you are new to Linux, you probably will not be familiar with application names/functions. Doing internet searches like “linux video editors” can be helpful, but inquiring on the Puppy Linux Forum is best, the members can recommend apps and tell you where to find them.

Removing Applications
Portable apps and Appimages – just delete their directory or file

SFS files
-click Menu>Setup>SFS-Load on-the-fly
-click the app in the Unload SFS pane
-click the Unload button

If you have installed applications from quickpet fossa, the PPM, or you downloaded a .pet or .deb file and manually installed it by clicking it, then you can use the PPM to uninstall it.

-click Menu>Setup>Puppy Package Manager
-click the Uninstall button
-click the package you want to uninstall
-click Remove package

Need more help? Join the forum and post your questions in Beginners Help.

-SFS file, click these and they are added to your system - SFS apps can be stored outside the save file/folder consuming none of that space

I suggest you change this to:
-SFS file, click these and they are loaded into the file system as if installed - SFS apps can be stored outside the save file/folder consuming none of that space

You talk later about unloading a SFS, but do not talk about loading it.

Keeping the terminology correct will make for less confusion.