AMSpackages
***********


General
=======

AMSpackages is a GUI module that can be used to install optional
software components. Users of the graphical user interface will
automatically be prompted to install an optional component when the
option is selected in AMSInput. Alternatively they can use SCMMenu
**→** Packages to install packages at any time. The graphical
interface can also be started using ""${AMSBIN}/AMSpackages" gui" on
the command line.

   [image]The main window of the AMSpackages gui.

Command line features of AMSpackages are documented in the
installation chapter of the manual.


Selecting the installation mode
-------------------------------

If you are allowed to write to "AMSHOME" the GUI opens in admin mode
by default, indicated by the button on the top left. Any changes made
in this mode are shared among all users of the software. If you want
to install packages only for the current user, hit the toggle button
labeled **Admin mode** to switch to single-user mode.


Installing packages
-------------------

Select the packages that you wish to install and click install. Some
information will be printed to the screen regarding progress. If you
wish to abort an installation that is in progress, you can click the
abort button.

After the package is installed, it will automatically be detected by
any programs that use it. To view the content of an installed package,
you can double-click the folder icon in the disk usage column. This
will open it inside your default file explorer.


Removing packages
-----------------

Select the packages that you wish to remove and click remove.


Clearing the cache
------------------

AMSpackages may leave some files behind that can be (re)used when
installing multiple packages or reinstalling. If you want to explictly
clean up these files you can hit the "Clear Cache" button.


Selecting an alternative package source
---------------------------------------

If you are on a computer with a slow connection or behind a firewall,
you can select a local copy of our repository using the **local
mirror** button. Navigate to your copy and and select the
"AMS2026.1.yml" file inside the "packages" directory.

Warning:

  Never install packages from an untrusted source. Only use a copy
  directly downloaded from our website.

   [image]

Instructions on how to obtain a copy can be found in the installation
section.
