Hey folks! So, I'm a total Linux noob, slowly trying to figure things out after using Windows for over 20 years. I've got a few questions about this 'repository' thing that seems essential to Linux. When I install software on Windows, I just download an executable, but Linux seems to be different; I need to use this repository instead? I'm having trouble wrapping my head around what a repository actually is.
Also, I've been thinking a bit about censorship in relation to repositories. As someone who's moved to Linux partly to have more control over my systems and to avoid increasing censorship, I can't help but wonder if repositories could be targets for censorship or blocking downloads. Are repositories vulnerable in any way? How are they set up, and where are they hosted? It's all a bit overwhelming but also exciting! Thanks in advance for any advice!
P.S. I realize my worries about censorship may seem a bit exaggerated, but can having everything in one place pose any risks?
5 Answers
Actually, there are multiple repositories! Most distributions have their official repos, plus community-run ones like AUR. It's really rare to hear about censorship in this context. If anything, repositories remove harmful software rather than censoring useful apps. You can also opt for AppImages if you'd like a more portable installation option!
So here’s the scoop: There isn't just one 'repository'—each distribution has its own set where they store packages. Using the repository is recommended for safety; it gives you peace of mind knowing the software was vetted. If you ever ran into a repo that started censoring things, the community would likely just ditch it for another distro!
You don't have to exclusively download from the repository, but you should, because it's usually safer. Repositories ensure that the software you install comes from trusted sources, saving you from risks like malware. They act like collections of software provided by your Linux distro, and while censorship can happen to any website, it’s not a common issue for repositories.
Here's a [Debian Wiki link](https://wiki.debian.org/DontBreakDebian) that explains it well!
You definitely don't have to rely on repositories if you prefer to grab software independently! However, using them simplifies things quite a lot. Repositories integrate security features and simplified updates, removing some of the manual hassles that come with manually installing software. As for concerns about censorship, I've never seen it controlled at that level—most repos are mirrored globally, so even if censorship happened somewhere, there are always other mirrors available!
Think of a repository like an app store for Linux—it contains software and system updates. Most distros have many mirrors for redundancy, so it’s hard to block access entirely. You don’t strictly need to use them; there are standalone options like AppImages. These might be easier to block but can often be downloaded from a variety of sites.
Yeah, I've also heard some concerns about some specific packages being censored here and there, but that's more about their content rather than a systematic censorship.