I'm a long time debian user, i've come to know apt very well and like it alot, the problem is debian is bloated and does not optimize for my hardware. I would like to know how zenwalks package system, which i think is netpkg, comapres to the apt system. thank you. and for some kind users who might want to throw a few basic commands my way that i would recognize with apt would be greatly appreciated. ie. apt-cache search = ? in netpkg.

First thing you have to understand is that netpkg is different than apt.

I find it easier to use, it's simpler, it's faster, it's more robust and won't destroy your system as it happens at times with apt.

Generally things are simpler with zenwalk. For example to do a search similar to apt-cache searh you just search through a single text file: /var/netpkg/PACKAGES.txt or the equivalent file in the repos. Package names, dependencies and descriptions are all in there.

To install or upgrade a package you just do "netpkg packagename". The "packagename" in there could even be a partial match and netpkg will prompt for all packages than contain the string you entered. If you don't want a prompt you do "netpkg install packagename".

To upgrade your system to the latest version you just do "netpkg upgrade".

Do a "man netpkg" and you'll see how easy it is.

Xnetpkg (menu->system->netpkg) is the graphical interface for netpkg
more info: http://manual.zenwalk.org/en/ch03s03.html

thanks alot you made it quite clear.. i would like to know peoples opinions on their experience with netpkg vs apt.

I couldn't stand with debian/ubuntu, bur on french forum today (partial (awful) translation):
"I even started to stop regretting apt-get, after 7 years with Debian and ubuntu, it's a feat"
(http://zenwalk.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=8293#p8293)