Software distribution with Klik
LAUNCH CONTROL
Klik brings convenient two-click installation to the KDE desktop.
Linux systems that run directly from the CD are very popular. These live distributions not only help attract new users to the world of Linux but are useful if you need to repair a broken system. When something breaks, you might find yourself in a situation where the tool you need for the repairs is not available on the CD. If you have been through this before, you will be familiar with unresolved dependencies and missing libraries on read-only filesystems. Even if you manage to install the tool, it might just die despite all your efforts. And users often want to try out new programs on production systems without having to go through a global install.
The Klik project makes all these dreams come true. Klik is short for "KDE-based Live Installer for Knoppix+Kanotix." Its makers have adopted the bundle design made so popular by Apple. Bundles are typically special, compressed archives containing all the files and libraries required by an application along with some metadata. To install, users simply download the archive file off the Internet and drop it on their desktops; the operating system launches the application stored in the archive. The system hides the processes from the user (Figure 1). As there is no need for a complicated and time-consuming install, and no need to spread files all over the filesystem tree, you can even install different versions of the same program. The basic Linux system is untouched. And you can dock applications stored on USB sticks to make them available to a live distribution.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.