How to add ISO image to your linux repositories and use it to install basic software packages

Summary:

In this post, we are going to briefly see how you can add your Linux ISO image to the repository and use this to install basic software packages. We shall use an example of installing VSFTPD package used for SFTP service. 

This example was carried out on openSUSE Leap 15.0

Problem or Goal: 

This technique is mostly used when you are working with a new installation and you don't have access to the internet which would otherwise allow you to enable and install packages from online Linux repositories (repos).

Cause: 

Working on new Linux installation with no access to the internet (online repos)

Solution: 

1. Use the command below to check which repos are currently configured for your new installation, at this point you should have no repos enabled. 

# zypper lr -E

2. Use a flash disk to transfer the ISO image file to your new installation and copy it under the /tmp directory. 

3. Use the command below to add the ISO image to the repo

# zypper ar -c -t yast2 "iso:///?iso=\ /tmp/Put_The_ISO_Image_File_Name_Here.iso" "The_Alias_Name_Here"

4. Use the command below to check whether the repo is added successfully. 

# zypper lr -E

5. Use the command below to install the software package:

# zypper -n in vsftpd

Problem Solved?

Yes, with this technique, you can install the basic software packages that come with the ISO image and when you get access to the internet, you can add online repos and install more packages.