🌟 KStars Installation Guide for StellarMate

📦 Default Installation

KStars comes pre-installed with your StellarMate system! By default, StellarMate includes the stable version of KStars from the official StellarMate repository.

🔄 Updating the Default KStars

To keep your default KStars installation up to date, simply use the Software Updater:

• From StellarMate Desktop: Launch the Software Updater application
• From StellarMate App: Use the built-in updater feature

The system will automatically handle updates for you! ✨

📱 Alternative: Flatpak Installation

What is Flatpak? 🤔

Flatpak is a modern application distribution system that:

• 📦 Bundles everything: Apps come with all their dependencies included
• 🔒 Sandboxed security: Applications run in isolated environments
• 🌍 Universal compatibility: Works across different Linux distributions
• 🚀 Easy installation: Simple one-command installs and updates

Think of Flatpak as a "container" for applications - it packages everything the app needs to run, making installation cleaner and more secure.

🎯 Why Choose Flatpak for KStars?

• Access to bleeding-edge features (nightly builds available)
• Independent updates from your system
• Consistent experience across different devices
• All INDI drivers included by default - no separate driver installations needed! 🔌

🛠️ Installing KStars via Flatpak

Step 1: Download the Installation Script 📥

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ikarustechnologies/indi-firmware/main/kstars.sh

Step 2: Run the Installation 🚀

For the stable version (recommended for most users):

bash kstars.sh

For the nightly version (latest features, may be less stable):

bash kstars.sh nightly

Step 3: Follow the Prompts 👤

The installation script will guide you through the process. You may need to:

• Enter your password when prompted for sudo commands
• Wait for the download and installation to complete

🔄 Updating Your Flatpak KStars

Automatic Update via Script ⚡

The easiest way to update is to run the installation script again:

bash kstars.sh

The script automatically detects if KStars is already installed and will update it instead.

Manual Update Command 🔧

For those who prefer direct control:

flatpak update org.kde.kstars

⚠️ Important Note: Unlike the default StellarMate KStars (which updates through the Software Updater), Flatpak versions currently need to be updated manually using the methods above.

📋 Quick Summary

🆘 Need Help?

If you encounter any issues:

1. Make sure you have a stable internet connection
2. Ensure your StellarMate system is up to date
3. Check the StellarMate documentation or community forums

Happy stargazing! 🌌✨