You can install selected software (without administrative privileges) on fully managed Linux devices running Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) using the campus software library. This feature is only available to fully managed Linux office workstations, not lab computers or Colossus and Guardian. If you require software in Linux computer labs for a class, please see this article with information about the Linux lab software list.
For macOS and Windows devices, visit Related Articles.
Windows
MacOS
Instructions for pkcon
Pkcon is a Command Line Interface (CLI) that allows users to install software. To use it, you must be logged into the physical machine. You cannot use pkcon from an SSH environment, or the tool will provide you with an authentication error.
- Press the Windows key and type terminal in the search bar.
- In the terminal window type
pkcon install <Your Software> where <Your Software> is the software you would like to install. The software must be available on Michigan Tech’s systems to be available to install. If you are unable to find the software that you are looking for, you may have to request it by emailing it-help@mtu.edu (or graduate students working on graduate machines can have their advisors fill out this request form for additional software)
- You will then be prompted for your Michigan Tech password. As you type it into the command line, your password may not show.
- After waiting for the software to install, you can now use the software! Different pieces of software may have different ways to launch the applications, such as through the command line or through a desktop shortcut.
- If you are having trouble finding the software you can use
pkcon search <Your Software>. This will output the full name of the package to be installed with pkcon install.
Instructions for Gnome Software
Gnome Software is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows users to install software. Please note that some software is not available through Gnome Software, but may be available with the pkcon instructions above.
To open the Software application:
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Press the Windows key (super key).
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Begin typing "Software".
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Select Software.
- Once open, you can search for software using the search button.
- Type in the name of the software you’d like to install.
- Select the software you’d like to install and click the install button in the top right.
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You will be prompted for your Michigan tech password. Once that is typed in the software installation will begin.
If you experience any problems during this process, contact IT at 906-487-1111 or email IT.