### Introduction to Packages

A software package is a collection of files that make up a program. These files may all be combined into one package file for distribution or downloading, to be extracted and placed in their correct locations when the package is installed.

A package management system automates most of the work in installing and deleting programs. Because packages are usually pre-compiled, you do not have to worry about `Makefiles` and `configure` scripts when installing. Because the package management system keeps track of all packages, it can remove all trace of a program when uninstalling.

### Installed Packages

Packages are organised into classes and subclasses, like `System` or `X11/Utilities`. At the top of the main page is a tree of folders and packages, in which each folder represents a class. To open a folder, simply click on it. To view more information about a package, click on its name.

Below the package tree is a form for searching the package database. This will search for packages whose name or description matches whatever text you enter.

### Install a New Package

Below the package search button is a form for installing a new package. You may install either from a file on your system, a file on the computer on which you are running your web browser, or from an FTP or HTTP URL. In the last case, Webmin will contact the FTP server or web site and download the package file. If your system is behind a firewall, make sure you have the proxy servers configured correctly in the Webmin Configuration module.

### Identify a File

At the bottom of the main page is a form for identifying some file on your system. You may enter either an absolute path like `/etc/inetd.conf`, or a command like `elm`. Webmin will attempt to find the file in the package management system, and display information about the file and the packages that use it.