I've just installed v6.3 as a desktop (from Centos-6.3-i386-LiveCD.iso) and to get the hang of the Centos approach and then hope to move on to a server. I've been using linux *buntu for 5 years. Hope i don't sound like a nit but i've got a little confused with the repos. Hoping someone would be kind enough just to clarify. This installation is for stability whilst installing the latest versions available. a] What happens if i select these? I assume that Centos6 is correct so why these? In software sources i have checked; Centos6-base, Centos6-extras, Centos6-updates unchecked; Centos6-contrib, Centos6-media, Centos6-plus i did check these three and media wouldn't, and plus wanted to suggest installation kernel 2.6 [gulp]. Each unchecked without installing. Then we also have the same for 6.0, 6.1, 6.2? b] So which repos to use as i'm unsure where apps are i want to use like efax (ok that's in), yumex, pyrenamer, llgal, abiword. at present i'm not sure which repos to use other than the one's i've mentioned. I then started to look at the repos http://wiki.centos.org/AdditionalResources/Repositories Centos extras and plus -- are these the same as above? CS/GFS, Centos testing, Fast track, debuginfo, contrib, CR - would seem not applicable to me. 3rd party repos rpmforge (DAG), and EPEL seem likely other repos seem likely to replace core packages which wouldn't be applicable. Google RPM gets a "use with care". I used the google browser on *buntu from their website with no problems so i was wondering what the problem would be and whether to use this repoo or the website. The fact that a maintainer has made this repo suggests a reason rather than just convenience. c] Could one just use pkgs.org to install from? My google "centos abiword" threw up yet another repo 'puias' and this has the latest Abiword version 2.8.6. http://pkgs.org/centos-6-rhel-6/puias-i386/abiword-2.8.6-3.puias6.i686.rpm.html I could just install from pkgs.org/centos-6 it would seem? Point is the repos are maintained by an expert rather than folk just downloading. I was then confused further by this http://miles.isb.bj.edu.cn/2012/03/09/how-to-install-abiword-on-centos-6-x64/ One needs to add epal and rpmforge just for abiword? Surely the dependencies would be in the same repo I'm sure all is quite simple really but i'd be grateful for the guidance before i mess up an installation. thanks