.dotfiles/install-software.md

How to install software

There are two main ways to install software on CachyOS: using Arch Repositories or Flatpak.

• How to install software
  • What should I use?
  • Arch Repositories
    • Installing packages
    • Examples
  • Flatpak
    • Alternatively, you can install Flatpak packages using the terminal

What should I use?

Usually, it's best to use Arch Repositories for most software, as they are more integrated with the system and generally perform better.

However, if you need a specific version of software that is not available in the Arch Repositories, or if you want to try out new software without affecting your system, you can use Flatpak.

Arch Repositories

Arch Software installs packages integrated with the system.

• These packages are usually more lightweight than Flatpak versions.
• They integrate better with the system theme and file manager.
• They start up faster and use less disk space.

Installing packages

1. Find the package you want to install on by googling <PACKAGE_NAME> arch repository or searching on archlinux.org/packages or aur.archlinux.org.
2. Open Terminal/Console.
3. Install the package using pacman or paru (for AUR packages).
   • If the package is on https://archlinux.org/packages/, use pacman.
   • If the package is on https://aur.archlinux.org/, use paru.

sudo pacman -S package_name

or

paru -S package_name

Examples

Discord is available on AUR, so you would install it using paru:

https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/discord/

paru -S discord

VLC is available on the official Arch repositories, so you would install it using pacman:

https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/vlc/

sudo pacman -S vlc

Flatpak

Flatpak Software installs packages in a sandboxed environment.

• They are more secure as they are isolated from the system.
• They can be easily uninstalled without affecting the host system.
• They may not integrate well with the system theme and file manager.
• They may start up slower and use more disk space.

1. Open Software Center.
2. Search for the application you want to install.
3. Click on the application and then click "Install".

Alternatively, you can install Flatpak packages using the terminal

flatpak install package_name