Pre-compiled binaries in linux

Most Linux distributions today use this method - software packages are built on some conventionally-configured computer, then packaged up for downloading or distribution on CDs. The advantages are speed, standardization, and simplicity - minimal time and tools are required to get a particular piece of software running.

TGZ

The longest-lasting form of package management, used by Slackware and its descendants. Something that confuses many newcomers is the extension. All Slackware packages end in '.tgz' but not all '.tgz' files are Slackware packages. Slackware packages are essentially gzipped tar files of binaries. Ordinarily, non-Slackware gzipped tar files will have the extension '.tar.gz' but sometimes are called '.tgz' as well. Which it is should be clear, based on where you download it but, if not, executing file name_of_file.tgz (or just trying to install it) will identify it.

RPM

The RedHat Package Manager format, described at www.rpm.org. This format is used by Red Hat, SuSE, and Mandrake. You can search for recent RPMs for your system using rpmfind.

DEB

The Debian package format. This is used by Debian and Debian-based distributions, such as Knoppix.

klik

Mechanism aiming at installing with one click an application for all distributions including all dependencies.

CPAN

An installation mechanism independent from the distribution, but dependent on the programming language; only available for Perl.