Help & Support

Get help with using OpenPorts.se and understanding OpenBSD packages.

🔍

How to Search

Learn how to find packages quickly and efficiently.

Learn more →
📦

Understanding Packages

Learn about OpenBSD packages and how they work.

Learn more →
⚙️

Installation Guide

Step-by-step guide to installing packages.

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OpenPorts.se?

OpenPorts.se is a comprehensive database and search engine for OpenBSD packages. It provides an easy way to browse, search, and get information about the thousands of packages available in the OpenBSD ports collection.

How do I install a package I found here?

On OpenBSD, you can install packages using the pkg_add command:

doas pkg_add package-name

Replace "package-name" with the actual package name you want to install.

What's the difference between packages and ports?

Packages are pre-compiled binary files ready for installation, while ports are source code with build instructions. Packages are faster to install, while ports allow for customization during compilation.

How often is the package database updated?

The package database is synchronized with the official OpenBSD ports tree regularly, typically multiple times per day, to ensure you have access to the latest package information.

Can I contribute to package development?

Yes! The OpenBSD ports system welcomes contributions. You can submit new ports, update existing ones, or help with testing. Check the maintenance section for more information.

How to Search for Packages

Basic Search

Simply enter the name of the software you're looking for in the search box. The search will look through package names, descriptions, and keywords.

Example: Search for "firefox" to find the Firefox web browser

Category Browsing

Browse packages by category using the sidebar or the category tree. This is helpful when you want to explore what's available in a specific area.

www games editors multimedia

Advanced Tips

  • Use partial names if you're not sure of the exact package name
  • Try different variations of the software name
  • Check the package description for additional keywords
  • Look at similar packages for alternatives

Understanding Package Information

Package Details

Each package page contains important information:

  • Description: What the software does
  • Version: Current version available
  • Category: Which category it belongs to
  • Dependencies: Other packages it requires
  • Maintainer: Who maintains the package
  • Homepage: Official website of the software

Version Information

OpenBSD packages follow a specific version format that includes the software version and sometimes a package revision number.

Example: firefox-119.0p0 means Firefox version 119.0, package revision 0

Package Installation Guide

Basic Installation

To install a package on OpenBSD, use the pkg_add command:

$ doas pkg_add package-name

Search for Available Packages

You can search for packages directly from the command line:

$ pkg_info -Q package-name

View Installed Packages

To see what packages are currently installed:

$ pkg_info

Remove Packages

To remove an installed package:

$ doas pkg_delete package-name

Update Packages

To update all installed packages to their latest versions:

$ doas pkg_add -u

Need More Help?

OpenBSD Resources:

Site-Specific Help:

🔍
Search Packages
📂
Browse Categories
📊
View Statistics
📡
RSS Feeds