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Wget Installation Guide

Jul 17, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains how to install and use Wget, a command-line download tool, on AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux systems, including basic troubleshooting and testing.

Updating the System

  • Always update your system before installing new packages for the latest software and security patches.
  • Run sudo dnf update -y to update AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux.
  • If the kernel is updated, reboot the system with sudo reboot.

Checking for Existing Wget Installation

  • Check if Wget is already installed by running wget --version.
  • If Wget is not found, continue to the installation step.

Installing Wget

  • Use the default system repository to install Wget for a simple installation process.
  • Install Wget by running sudo dnf install wget.

Verifying Installation

  • After installing, verify Wget with wget --version to confirm it's correctly set up.
  • Seeing the version number confirms a successful installation.

Testing Wget Functionality

  • Test Wget by downloading a file, for example: wget https://example.com/samplefile.txt.
  • Check the current directory with ls to confirm the file was downloaded.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • If "command not found," ensure Wget installation completed successfully.
  • Use sudo if you encounter "permission denied" errors.
  • Check your internet connection if downloads are failing.
  • For more information on errors, use sudo journalctl -xe.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Wget — An open-source command-line utility for non-interactive downloading of files from the internet.
  • DNF — The default package manager for installing software on RPM-based Linux distributions like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Ensure your system is updated before any package installations.
  • Practice installing, verifying, and using Wget as described.
  • Use troubleshooting steps if you encounter installation or usage issues.