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Introduction

Main page: Ubuntu Documentation: Installing applications. Installing software in Ubuntu is easy, and this guide will show you how to do it. By default, many useful programs are already installed when you put Ubuntu onto your computer. However, you may need a particular piece of software that serves a purpose not served by the default applications. You might just want to try an alternative program to one which is already installed. In other words, you need new software. If you'd like to get some background information on what's happening when you install software (which can sometimes be technical), read Packages and Package Management. If you just want to get started installing new programs, you can skip straight to Installing a Package. See also: FreeSoftwareAlternatives

Packages and Package Management

This section covers the basic concepts of packages and package management. You will learn about what a package is, the differences between different types of package and also how package management works on Ubuntu.

What is a package?

Software is a very broad term, and is generally taken to mean a program which you can run on your computer. However, such programs often need other resources to work. When you install software, thousands of files may be required just to let the program start! When you think that they all have to be put in exactly the right location, and some of those files may need to be changed depending on what type of computer you have, it can all get very complicated. Luckily, Ubuntu can look after this complexity. Ubuntu uses packages to store everything that a particular program needs to run. A 'package', then, is essentially a collection of files bundled into a single file, which can be handled much more easily. As well as the files required for the program to run, there will be special files called installation scripts, which copy the files to where they are needed (amongst other things).

Source or Binary?

Normally, when someone makes a package for a program, they put all of the source code for the program into that package. Source code is written by programmers and is essentially a list of instructions to a computer which humans are able to read and write. Computers can only understand this code if it is interpreted for them into a form that they can use directly. One such way of interpreting source code for a computer is by translating or compiling it into binary, which computers can understand. So why don't the people who make the package (called packagers) just convert it into binary from the start? Well, different computers use different types of binary, so if you make a binary package for one type (like an Intel PC), it won't work on another (like an Apple Macintosh). Source packages are simply packages which just include source code, and can generally be used on any type of machine if the code is compiled in the right way. <
> Binary packages are ones which have been made specifically for one type of computer, or architecture. Ubuntu supports the x86 (i386 or i686), AMD64 and PPC architectures. The correct binary packages will be used automatically, so you don't have to worry about picking the right ones. To find out which one you are using, open Applications → Accessories → Terminal, type uname -m then hit the enter key.

Package Dependencies

Programs often use some of the same files as each other. Rather than putting these files into each package, a separate package can be installed to provide them for all of the programs that need them. So, to install a program which needs one of these files, the package containing those files must also be installed. When a package depends on another in this way, it is known as a package dependency. By specifying dependencies, packages can be made smaller and simpler, and duplicates of files and programs are mostly removed. When you install a program, its dependencies must be installed at the same time. Usually, most of the required dependencies will already be installed, but a few extras may be needed, too. So, when you install a package, don't be surprised if several other packages are installed too - these are just dependencies which are needed for your chosen package to function properly. <
> An example of dependencies

Package Managers

A package manager is an application which handles the downloading and installation of packages. Ubuntu includes a few package managers by default, and which one you use depends on how advanced the package management tasks are that you want to achieve. Most people will only need to use the most basic package manager, the Add/Remove tool, which is very easy to use.

Software Channels/Repositories

Where can you get packages from? Ubuntu stores all of its packages in locations called software channels or repositories. A software channel is simply a location which holds packages of similar types, which can be downloaded and installed using a package manager. A package manager will store an index of all of the packages available from a software channel. Sometimes it will 're-build' this index to make sure that it is up to date and knows which packages have been upgraded or added into the channel since it last checked. There are four Ubuntu software channels for each architecture - Main, Restricted, Universe and Multiverse. Each has a different purpose. By default, only packages from Main and Restricted can be installed. If you would like to install packages from Universe or Multiverse, see the Repositories page for instructions on how to do this. In addition to the official Ubuntu repositories, it is possible to use third party repositories. Be careful, though - some are not compatible with Ubuntu and using them may cause programs to stop working or may even cause serious damage to your installation. The page http://www.ubuntulinux.nl/source-o-matic can help you to find extra repositories, and the Repositories page gives instructions on how to enable them. <<Anchor(installing-a-package)>>

Installing a Package

This section explains how to install packages using the various tools available in Ubuntu,Xubuntu,Edubuntu and Kubuntu.

Via your web browser

In the Ubuntu Documentation, you will sometimes find sentences like for example: " To install this software in Ubuntu, install the following package: supertux. " Click on the name of the package ("supertux" in the example):

• if the apturl protocol is enabled on your computer, you will be proposed to install the package called "supertux".
• if not, please follow instructions of the AptURL page to enable apturl protocol on your computer.

Via a basic graphical method

Note that some packages can't be installed via this method, in this case please use another method.

for Ubuntu/Xubuntu/Edubuntu : "Add/Remove"

The easiest way of installing a package is to click Applications → Add/Remove.... Find the package or packages you want to install. You can search for a keyword, such as 'email', or look through the categories shown on the left hand side of the window. If you have trouble finding the package you want at first, you may want to change the "Show" option to the right of the search field to include more locations to search. Once you've found a package you want to install, tick the box next to its icon. Once you've finished choosing, click the Apply button at the bottom of the window. Another window will pop up, showing all of the packages you've selected and asking if you'd like to apply the changes. To install the packages, click Apply. You'll then be asked to type in your super-user/administrator password. Once you've entered it, another window will appear informing you of the installation progress. Once this has finished, click Close. Your new programs are installed, ready to use!

for Kubuntu : "Add/Remove Programs"

Kubuntu's new and easy method of installing packages is to use the 'Add/Remove Programs' tool. Click K-Menu → Add/Remove Programs to start it. Add/Remove Programs is a simple graphical way of installing and removing applications in Kubuntu. To launch Add/Remove Programs, choose K Menu → Add/Remove Programs from the desktop menu system. To install new applications select the category on the left, then check the box of the application you want to install. When finished click Apply, then your chosen programs will be downloaded and installed automatically, as well as installing any additional applications that are required. The default selection is restricted to KDE suite, but GNOME applications can be installed simply by selecting from dropdown menu at the top. Alternatively, if you know the name of the program you want, use the Search tool at the top. Software from additional repositories may be installed by enabling the Show: Unsupported and Show: proprietary software checkboxes if they are enabled in your repository list. For more information, see the Repositories page. Once this has finished, click Close.Your new programs are installed, ready to use!

Via an advanced graphical method

for Ubuntu/Xubuntu/Edubuntu : Synaptic

The Synaptic Package Manager offers a more advanced way of installing packages. If you have problems finding a suitable package with the Add/Remove tool, try using the search in Synaptic. This searches all of the packages in the available repositories, even the ones which don't contain programs. For details on using Synaptic, see SynapticHowto.

for Kubuntu : Adept

The Adept Package Manager offers a more advanced way of installing packages. If you have problems finding a suitable package with the Add/Remove tool, try using the search in Adept. For details on using Adept, see AdeptHowto.

Via a Text Based Methods

Text based methods can be used across Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu, but require familiarity with the terminal. When helping users to install packages, you should consider using an AptURL instead of apt-get or aptitude.

Aptitude - the text-based method

Aptitude is a text-based package manager, which must be run from a Terminal. Read the AptitudeSurvivalGuide for more information on how to use Aptitude.

apt-get - the technical method

The apt-get program is a command-line package manager, which should be used if the Add/Remove tool and Synaptic ever run into problems. It provides an advanced interface to APT, the underlying package management system which Ubuntu uses, but is reasonably easy to operate. Power users may find that apt-get is quicker to use and more powerful than the graphical options above. For details on how to use apt-get, read AptGet/Howto. <<Anchor(deb)>>

Installing downloaded packages

You may wish to install a package you have downloaded from a website, rather than from a software repository. These packages are called .deb files. Because they may have been created for a different Linux distribution, you might find that there's dependency issues with Ubuntu, meaning that they may be uninstallable.

Using GDebi to install packages

GDebi is a graphical application used to install .deb packages. It automatically checks packages for their dependencies and will try to download them from the Ubuntu software repositories if possible. You may first need to install GDebi - simply install the gdebi package using one of the package managers listed above, or open a Terminal and type sudo apt-get install gdebi. Once you have installed GDebi, use the File Browser to find the package you wish to install. Package files will look similar to this: Double-click the package to open it with GDebi. If all dependencies have been met for the selected package, simply click the 'Install package' button to install it. GDebi will warn you if there are unmet dependencies, which means that there's dependencies that aren't in the repositories that you're using.

Using dpkg to install packages

dpkg is a command-line tool used to install packages. To install a package with dpkg, open a Terminal and type the following:

cd directory
sudo dpkg -i package_name.deb

Note: replace directory with the directory in which the package is stored and package_name with the filename of the package. It is recommended that you read the dpkg manual page before using dpkg, as improper use may break the package management database. To view the manual page for dpkg, open a Terminal and type man dpkg.

Automatic updates: Update Manager

Ubuntu will automatically notify you when security updates and software upgrades are available. The Ubuntu Update Manager is a simple and easy to use application that help users to keep their system software updated. Simply click the update icon (which will appear in the notification area), type in your super-user/administrator password and follow the instructions on-screen to download and install the updates. Keeping up to date is important, as security fixes which protect your computer from harm are delivered in this way.

Installing packages without an Internet connection

Sometimes, an internet connection is unavailable to install programs. Here are the methods proposed by the official Ubuntu documentation: https://help.ubuntu.com/7.10/add-applications/C/offline.html But it is also possible to do it without CDs or DVDs, using a simple USB key for example to transfer only the packages you need. Here's how:

• Open synaptic
• Select the packages you wish to install.
• Click on File->Generate package download script
• Save the script on your USB key.
• Go to the other PC (with GNU/Linux on it so that you can run the script) and run the script on it. It will download the packages you selected and all necessary dependencies based on what you already have on your PC. Nothing more, nothing less.
• Get the downloaded packages back to the other PC.
• Open synaptic and click on File->Add downloaded packages and select the script from the USB key.

Note: If you don't have access to a PC with GNU/Linux or emulating/virtualizing GNU/Linux (Cygwin, VMware, VirtualBox, Qemu, etc), just open the script with a text editor and enter all the URLs you see in your browser to download the corresponding packages. If you have all the necessary libraries and/or dependencies, the simplest way is of course to just download the .deb package you need, just as you would with a Windows installer, and double-click the package to install it with GDebi. All Ubuntu packages are available on http://packages.ubuntu.com/ and http://offline.debian.net . See also: Apt/Offline.

Backup/Restore installed packages

Debian/Ubuntu packages

• http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/linux-get-list-installed-software-reinstallation-restore.html
• http://www.ubuntugeek.com/howto-reinstall-all-of-currently-installed-packages-in-fresh-ubuntu-install.html
• http://www.arsgeek.com/2006/09/19/ubuntu-tricks-how-to-generate-a-list-of-installed-packages-and-use-it-to-reinstall-packages/

PEAR packages (for web servers)

• http://kevin.vanzonneveld.net/techblog/article/restore_packages_using_dselectupgrade/

Glossary

apt: The 'Advanced Package Tool', the program on which Ubuntu's Package Managers are based. apt handles the more complicated parts of package management, such as maintaining a database of packages. Architecture: The type of processor the computer uses is referred to as its architecture. Binary Package: A package which contains a program suitable for one particular architecture. deb: A .deb file is a Ubuntu (or Debian) package, which contains all of the files which the package will install. Dependency: A dependency is a package which must be installed for another package to work properly. Package Manager: A program which handles packages, allowing you to search, install and remove them. E.g. Add/Remove... Repository/Software Channel: A location from which packages of a similar type are available to download and install. Source Package: A package which contains the original code for a program, which must be compiled to be usable on a particular architecture.

See also

• SoftwareManagement
• CompilingEasyHowTo

External links

• What Package Did This File Come From?
• Create backup of installed packages using APTonCD
• http://www.getdeb.net

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