Summary

Between applications written directly for Linux and other UNIX systems, those that have been ported to Linux, and those that can run in emulation, thousands of applications are available to be used with Fedora Core and RHEL systems. With the growth of Fedora Extras and other online software repositories, the number of high-quality software packages available to run on Fedora and RHEL systems has grown exponentially.

To simplify the process of installing and managing your Linux applications, Red Hat developed the RPM Package Manager (RPM). Using tools developed for RPM, such as the rpm command, you can easily install, remove, and perform queries on Linux RPM packages. Tools for finding, downloading and installing RPM packages include the Package Manager window, yum utility, and Package Updater (Pup) utility.

Of the types of applications that can run in Linux, those created for the X Window System provide the greatest level of compatibility and flexibility when used in Linux. However, using emulation software, it is possible to run applications intended for DOS, Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/NT/XP, and Macintosh operating systems. In the long run, virtualization software such as Xen will allow multiple operating systems to run as guests on Fedora. That, in turn , will provide a means for running a variety of applications within those systems on Fedora.