How to Install Software on Ubuntu

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

SoftwareUbuntuInstallationApplicationsLinuxPackage ManagerAPTOperating SystemsDesktopSystem

Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution, is known for its ease of use and community support. If you're new to Ubuntu, you may be wondering how you can install software on this versatile system. This document explains the process in detail, explaining the different methods you can use to get your desired software running on your machine. Whether you prefer a graphical interface or command-line proficiency, Ubuntu offers several ways to install software to suit your needs.

1. Understanding the package manager

Before we begin the actual installation process, it is important to understand what a package manager is. In the Linux world, a package manager is a collection of software tools that automate the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing computer programs. Ubuntu uses a package management system called APT (Advanced Package Tool).

1.1 What is APT?

APT stands for Advanced Package Tool, which allows managing software packages on Debian-based systems, including Ubuntu. It is a command-line based tool for handling packages, and can be used to install new software, upgrade existing software, manage configuration files, and remove software that is no longer needed.

2. Installing software using the Ubuntu Software Center

The Ubuntu Software Center is a graphical user interface and desktop application that provides a way to browse, install, and manage software on Ubuntu. It is user-friendly and ideal for users who prefer a more visual and less technical approach to software installation.

2.1 Steps to install software via Ubuntu Software Center

1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center: Click the "Show applications" button at the bottom left of your screen, then search for Ubuntu Software. Click to open it.
2. Browse or search for software: Use the search bar or browse the categories to find the software you want to install.
3. Select software: Click the icon of the software you want to install to view more information about it.
4. Install the software: Click the Install button. You may be asked to enter your password to authorize the installation process.
5. Launch the software: Once installed, you can launch the software from the Software Center or through the Applications menu.

3. Installing software using the terminal

If you are comfortable using the command line, installing software through the terminal can be faster and more efficient. Using the APT package manager, you can easily install software by typing a few commands.

3.1 Basic terminal commands for installing software

Here are some basic commands you can use with APT in the terminal:

• sudo apt update – This command updates your package list and gets information about the latest versions of packages and their dependencies.
• sudo apt upgrade – This command upgrades all installed packages to their latest version listed in the package repository.
• sudo apt install packageName - This command installs the specified package. Replace packageName with the actual name of the software you want to install.
• sudo apt remove packageName – This command removes the specified package from the system.
• sudo apt autoremove – This command removes unnecessary packages that were automatically installed to satisfy the dependencies of other packages and are no longer required.

3.2 Example of installing software via terminal

For example, to install VLC media player, you would open a terminal and type:

sudo apt update sudo apt install vlc

It will first update your package list and then install the VLC media player.

4. Installing software from PPAs (Personal Package Archives)

Sometimes, the software you want is not available in the default Ubuntu repositories. In this case, you may need to use a PPA. A PPA is a repository hosted on Launchpad or a similar site, which allows you to install software not included in the official Ubuntu repositories.

4.1 Using PPAs to install software

1. Find a PPA: Search online for a PPA that contains the software you want to install.
2. Add the PPA: Use sudo add-apt-repository ppa:repository-name command to add a PPA. Replace repository-name with the actual PPA name.
3. Update package list: Run sudo apt update to update your package list and include packages from the newly added PPA.
4. Install software: Use sudo apt install packageName to install software from a PPA.

4.2 Example

For example, to install the latest version of the “GIMP” image editor from a PPA, you can run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:otto-kesselgulasch/gimp sudo apt update sudo apt install gimp

This will allow you to install GIMP and keep it updated, even if it's not in a stable version.

5. Installing software using .deb files

Sometimes software is distributed as a .deb file. These files are Debian package files, and can be installed directly on your system.

5.1 Steps to install .deb files

1. Download the .deb file: Get a .deb package of the software from a trusted source.
2. Open the Terminal. Using the Terminal, navigate to the directory where the .deb file is located.
3. Install the .deb file: Use sudo dpkg -i filename.deb to install the package. Replace filename with the actual name of the .deb file.
4. Fix dependencies: Sometimes, you may get errors about missing dependencies. Run sudo apt install -f to fix these dependencies.

6. Installing software using Snap

Snap is a software packaging and deployment system developed by Canonical that enables developers to package their applications with all their dependencies for all Linux distributions. Snap packages can be installed from the Snap store.

6.1 Steps to install software using Snap

1. Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application.
2. Update Snap: Run sudo snap install core to make sure you have the latest version of Snapd.
3. Install the Snap package: Use sudo snap install packageName to install the desired Snap package. Replace packageName with the actual name of the Snap package.

6.2 Example

For example, to install “Spotify” via Snap, use the following command:

sudo snap install spotify

7. Installing software using Flatpak

Flatpak is another utility for software deployment, application virtualization, and software distribution. It is similar to Snap and can be used to install applications in an isolated environment.

7.1 Steps to install software using Flatpak

1. Install Flatpak: Make sure you have Flatpak installed using sudo apt install flatpak.
2. Add the Flathub repository: Flathub is the primary source for Flatpak apps. Add it using flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo.
3. Install the Flatpak app: Use flatpak install flathub appName to install the app. Replace appName with the actual application name.

7.2 Example

To install “Visual Studio Code” using Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code

8. Removing software

In Linux, it is important to maintain a clean and light system. Therefore, it is essential to know how to remove software correctly.

8.1 Removing software using APT

Use sudo apt remove packageName to uninstall software, and sudo apt autoremove to clean up dependencies and other packages that are no longer needed.

8.2 Removing software using Snap

To remove snap packages, run sudo snap remove packageName.

8.3 Removing Flatpak applications

To remove Flatpak applications, use flatpak uninstall appName.

Conclusion

Installing and managing software on Ubuntu is versatile, with multiple approaches ranging from a graphical user interface with the Software Center to command-line methods using APT, Snap, or Flatpak. Each method has its own use case and benefits, helping users keep their systems robust and up-to-date. Understanding these methods can help users efficiently install and maintain software on their Ubuntu systems.

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