This appendix describes the following aspect of each and every package that is installed in this book:
What every package contains
What every program from a package does
The packages are listed in the same order as they are installed in chapter 5 (Intel system) or chapter 11 (PPC systems).
Most information about these packages (especially the descriptions of it) come from the man pages from those packages. I'm not going to print the entire man page, just the core elements to make you understand what a program does. If you want to know full details on a program, I suggest you start by reading the complete man page in addition to this appendix.
You will also find that certain packages are documented more in depth than others. The reason is that I just happen to know more about certain packages than I know about others. If you have anything to add on the following descriptions, please don't hesitate to email me. This list is going to contain an in depth description of every package installed, but I can't do this on my own. I have had help from various people but more help is needed.
Please note that currently only what a package does is described and not why you need to install it. That will be added later.