Quick Start Guide

5.2.4 Checking Software Dependencies
Most packages are dependent on other packages. If a package, for example, uses a
shared library, it is dependent on the package providing this library. On the other
hand some packages cannot coexist with each other, causing a conict (for example,
you can only install one mail transfer agent: sendmail or postx). When installing or
removing software, the Software Manager makes sure no dependencies or conicts
remain unsolved to ensure system integrity.
In case there exists only one solution to resolve a dependency or a conict, it is re-
solved automatically. Multiple solutions always cause a conict which needs to be
resolved manually. If solving a conict involves a vendor or architecture change, it
also needs to be solved manually. When clicking Accept to apply any changes in the
Software Manager, you get an overview of all actions triggered by the automatic re-
solver which you need to conrm.
By default, dependencies are automatically checked. A check is performed every
time you change a package status (for example, by marking a package for installation
or removal). This is generally useful, but can become exhausting when manually
resolving a dependency conict. To disable this function, uncheck Dependencies >
Autocheck. Manually perform a dependency check with Dependencies > Check Now.
A consistency check is always performed when you conrm your selection with Accept.
To review a package's dependencies, right-click it and choose Show Solver Informa-
tion. A map showing the dependencies opens. Packages that are already installed
are displayed in a green frame.
NOTE: Manually Solving Package Conicts
Unless you are very experienced, follow the suggestions YaST makes when han-
dling package conicts, otherwise you may not be able to resolve them. Keep in
mind that every change you make, potentially triggers other conicts, so you can
easily end up with a steadily increasing number of conicts. In case this happens,
Cancel the Software Manager, Abandon all your changes and start again.
Installing or Removing Software 85