---
title: How to manage software packages on Linux
description: Learn how to manage software packages on a Scaleway Dedibox server.
tags: dedibox package management
dates:
  validation: 2025-08-27
  posted: 2021-06-11
---
import Requirements from '@macros/iam/requirements.mdx'


Packages are archives containing binaries, configuration files, and dependency information for software. A package manager automates software installation, upgrades, and configuration, keeping track of all installed packages and their versions.

This guide covers package management on the following distributions:
- Debian
- Ubuntu
- CentOS
- AlmaLinux

<Requirements />
- A Dedibox account logged into the [console](https://console.online.net)
- A [created](/dedibox/how-to/order-a-server/) and [installed](/dedibox/how-to/install-a-server/) Dedibox server

## Debian and Ubuntu: Using APT

On Debian and Ubuntu, use the **APT** (**A**dvanced **P**ackage **T**ool) package manager.

### How to update repositories

Update your package information with the following command:

```bash
sudo apt-get update
```

### How to update packages

After updating your repositories, upgrade your packages:

```bash
sudo apt-get upgrade
```

<Message type="tip">
  A reboot is recommended after kernel updates.
</Message>

### How to search for packages

Search for specific software packages, such as MariaDB:

```bash
apt-cache search mariadb
```

### How to install a package

Install a package, for example, MariaDB server:

```bash
sudo apt-get install mariadb-server
```

### How to keep your system tidy

Remove unused dependencies:

```bash
sudo apt-get autoremove
```

### How to uninstall a package

Remove a package, for example, MariaDB server:

```bash
sudo apt-get remove mariadb-server
```

To also remove all dependencies installed with the package:

```bash
sudo apt-get autoremove mariadb-server
```

## CentOS and AlmaLinux: Using YUM/DNF

On CentOS and AlmaLinux, use the **YUM** (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) or **DNF** (Dandified YUM) package manager.

### How to update repositories

Update your package information with the following command:

```bash
sudo yum update
```

Or, if using DNF:

```bash
sudo dnf update
```

### How to update packages

After updating your repositories, upgrade your packages:

```bash
sudo yum upgrade
```

Or, if using DNF:

```bash
sudo dnf upgrade
```

### How to search for packages

Search for specific software packages, such as MariaDB:

```bash
sudo yum search mariadb
```

Or, if using DNF:

```bash
sudo dnf search mariadb
```

### How to install a package

Install a package, for example, MariaDB server:

```bash
sudo yum install mariadb-server
```

Or, if using DNF:

```bash
sudo dnf install mariadb-server
```

### How to keep your system tidy

Remove unused dependencies:

```bash
sudo yum autoremove
```

Or, if using DNF:

```bash
sudo dnf autoremove
```

### How to uninstall a package

Remove a package, for example, MariaDB server:

```bash
sudo yum remove mariadb-server
```

Or, if using DNF:

```bash
sudo dnf remove mariadb-server
```

To also remove all dependencies installed with the package:

```bash
sudo yum autoremove mariadb-server
```

Or, if using DNF:

```bash
sudo dnf autoremove mariadb-server
```