Using Packages

Latest Packages shows the newset packages uploaded to SimpleMachines.org.

Browse Packages will show any mods installed. This will also show you if the mod is installed or just uploaded (shows [Apply Mod]). It will also show you if you have the most current version (green circle) according to what has been uploaded to SMF. This does not mean that it is "the" most current version available. It only means the most current available which has been uploaded to SMF to date. It is possible that newer version may exist on other sites. Older and outdated versions detected by SMF will have a red circle next to them.

If you have any mods installed you'll see a few options. Those are:

1. [Apply Mod] - This will allow you to install your mods. This does not guarantee that they will work. If this does not work and you get "Test Failed" on any files you'll have to modify the code to those particular files manually. To do this, you'll have to edit the "Test Failed" file(s) OR use a Package Parser. If you do not manually modify the code for those files you could, possibly, have problems with your forum.
2. [Uninstall] - This will allow you to uninstall your mods. Some mods do not uninstall cleanly or will remove all of their code. If they do not you will have to manually install the code for the files that show "Test Failed". You may uninstall the mod via Packages but you will still have to remove the code from the "Test Failed" files manually. Failing to do so may cause your site to not operate properly.
   Sometimes you will not see [Uninstall]. This is because you probably have upgraded your SMF forum and the mods you have do not recognize the new SMF version. To fix this you will have to uninstall any SMF upgrades (going back in reverse order according to version numbers) until you do see [Uninstall] for the mod you wish to remove.
3. [List Files] - does what it says for the mod in question.
4. [Delete] - will delete the mod from the list and the package from the server. Remember, this will not uninstall a mod by removing its files or code. You must uninstall mod first unless it says [Apply Mod] next to it.
   

Finally, we will look at the Options menu. So, click on the Options link in the Packages menu. You should see the image below.

In Installation Options you have 5 things.

1. FTP Server - usually set to "localhost". Do not change or you will not be able to upload mods via Packages.
2. Port - usually set to "21". Do not change or you will not be able to upload mods via Packages.
3. Username - You should enter your main server username and not your FTP username.
4. Create Backup versions of replaced files with a tilda (~) on the end of the names. - use this if you wish to backup your files via SMF. All files on your server with a tilde on the end are the backed up files. Remember, this is NOT the same as a server backup via cPanel or other means.
5. Save - Save your information so you will not have to re-enter it everytime you come back.

In Cleanup Permissions you have 3 options.

1. Only the standard files are writable. - This is the default setting.
2. All files are writable. - Use this BEFORE installing mods and it will make your life easier. It will make set the permission of all files to 777 or 755, depending on how your server is configured.
3. The minimum files are writable. - If you are worried about security, use this option AFTER you've finished installing any mods.
4. Please, be aware that after you select any of the above choices this screen will ALWAYS show Only the standard files are writable.. That do not mean that is what your files are set to. It is suggested that you get inito the habit of using The minimum files are writable. after you make any changes here.

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