regarding /opt directory...
 

Hi All...

could any body explain me that what is the use of /opt directory? why iam asking this question is if we have /usr directory then what's the main use of /opt directory..any help/explanation/comments would be appreciated....

thnx in advance..
zameer ahmed syed.

The Linux Documentation Project should help you.

The short answer is: "[/opt] is reserved for all the software and add-on packages that are not part of the default installation."

The full document is here.

Both /oth and /usr/local are similar to "Program Files" in Windows. You have the option of installing programs to /opt or /usr/local.

I personally use /opt, and I have KDE, Java, Acrobat, Firefox, Thundebird, Open Office and Matlab installed there. It is a personal choice where you install these sort of programs.

I hope this helps
--Ian