# Package manager & terminal

We will use a package manager to install software in this course to eliminate the need for manual installs. We will use *winget* in Windows and *Homebrew* in MacOS. Most Linux distributions have their own package manager.

:::{wpd} package manager
a collection of software tools that automates the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing computer programs in a consistent manner
:::

A package manager is similar to Apple app store, but has software which is not available in the Apple app store.

Winget is built-in in Windows, but Homebrew must be installed on MacOS.

We will use a terminal to install software. So you should now how to open a terminal.

## Opening a terminal

::::{tab-set}
:::{tab-item} Windows
1. Press the Windows key <kbd><i class="fa-brands fa-windows"> </i></kbd>
1. Type `cmd`. A black terminal window should pop up.
:::
:::{tab-item} MacOS
Refer to the [Open or quit Terminal on Mac](https://support.apple.com/guide/terminal/open-or-quit-terminal-apd5265185d-f365-44cb-8b09-71a064a42125/mac) in the [official Terminal User Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/terminal/welcome/mac).
:::
:::{tab-item} Linux
<kbd>Ctrl</kbd><kbd>Alt</kbd><kbd>T</kbd> should open a terminal on many desktop environments.
:::
::::

## Homebrew installation

:::{warning}
This step is only needed for MacOS.
:::

1. Open a terminal.
1. Copy the command for installing Homebrew from [their website](https://brew.sh/).
1. Paste the copied command into the terminal you opened and then press <kbd>Enter</kbd>.