Installing Ruby Gems without access to the official repository

Question

I'm connected to the internet using a proxy script in my office. As a result my command prompt (Win XP) doesn't connect and I can access net only using the browser.

Is there some I can install some ruby gems that I need manually - without using

gem install 'abc'

Or is there a way I can get my command prompt to connect to the internet. Although my IE settings do use the script, I still cant get the CMD to connect.

Answer 1

I had the same problem when working on a confined environment. A nice workaround is to download the gem that you are interested in a usb stick and then install it manually.

This is the website where you can find all available ruby gems. Ruby gems download. Find the one you are interested and download it.

Then move the gem in a directory of your choice and cd into that from the command prompt. I am using C:/ruby193/bin/pony-1.4.gem

Let's say that the gem we are interested in is the pony gem (smtp email).

Just type gem install pony-1.4.gem

and you should get it installed manually unless you have a restricted acc with not adequate administrative privileges.

Answer 2

gem install --force --local *.gem

http://help.rubygems.org/kb/rubygems/installing-gems-with-no-network