Submitted by AndrewT on Sat, 01/08/2011 - 07:00
Revision of Installing, Updating and Removing Software from Sun, 01/09/2011 - 05:56
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Software on GNU/Linux systems is typically installed by one of several methods.
- Using the simple Add/Remove Applications program found in the Main Menu.
- Using the more advanced Synaptic Package Manager.
- Typing sudo apt-get [command] [package name] commands into a non-graphical console (located in the Main Menu at Accessories → Terminal). Type apt-get -h for a full list of commands. The most important commands include:
- sudo apt-get install [package name] to fetch and install a package
- sudo apt-get remove [package name] to uninstall a package
- sudo apt-get upgrade to update packages. This is the same as using the graphical Update Manager.
- sudo apt-get autoremove to remove unnecessary leftover packages
- Downloading a .deb archive and installing it using the graphical GDebi installation wizard.
- Adding a Launchpad PPA to your Software Sources (located in the Main Menu at System → Administration → Software Sources).
- Building from a source archive (generally in .tar.gz format). This is the most advanced method. You will likely never need to install software this way, and because you could mess up your installation if you do something wrong, it's suggested you avoid this method if you are new.
