The package management system is a staple of Linux distributions everywhere, and controls ninety-five percent of software installed on a Linux system, installing and uninstalling applications. A package manager keeps everything up to date and allows users to search for new programs.

In the open-source world, where everything is free and sharing software is encouraged package managers enjoy access to almost the full range of software available to Linux users, and control all installation in a consistent manner. In the past some less than in-depth comparisons have explained package managers to Windows users as similar to the ‘Add/Remove Programs’ facility, but this is too simplistic.

Package managers such as Synaptic or YaST allow users to find packages without the hassle of trawling through websites looking for the most suitable program. They also manage Linux’s web of dependant libraries which are frequently updated. They are in effect the gatekeepers of all software running on a Linux machine, meaning users only have one program they need go to for everything software-management related.

Linux distributions blur the line between operating system and applications that is so distinct in Windows using package managers. Aside from the obvious lack of charging for applications everything is updated in unison, in a manner similar to Windows security updates. How do package managers exist in the world of Windows, where each application can have its own specific install process, and its own specific issues?

Package managers for Windows exist, but how viable are the options? There are many, but three will be the focus of this article, AppSnap, InstallPad and AppUpdater. The reason only three have been chosen is that they are representative of the general state of package management in Windows. This is not to say they lie at either end of the quality spectrum, they all encapsulate different uses for a package manager. As Windows doesn’t use many cross-dependant libraries the packages these programs manage are independent applications. Each package manager uses a database of applications that tells the program where to get the installer and the latest version at the least.