How to install and uninstall programs in Ubuntu

Installing programs in Ubuntu using Package Manger

Add or remove applications in Ubuntu, can be done using Package Manager(PM). PM installs and uninstalls software, and keeps track of all the components each piece of software needs.

Ubuntu supports 3 main package mangers. Which require administrative access to use any of these programs.

• Add/Remove Programs - The easiest way to install and uninstall programs.

• Synaptic - Advanced control of software and other system components.

• Apt - If you prefer using the Terminal.

Only one program can run at a time. Running more than one package manger won’t work.

as shown in the figure below

With the Add/Remove… item in the Applications menu, you can install programs. You can also remove programs you don’t want. If you know the name of a program you want to install, enter it in the Search field. Otherwise, begin by choosing a software category on the left.

Programs that are already installed begin with a check mark next to their name. Uncheck a program if you want to remove it from your computer.

When you click Apply or OK,  a conformation popup will appear click on "Apply" button all selected softwares are downloaded online using internet, and Ubuntu will make the changes to selected.

If the online package is not active, you may be asked to insert your Ubuntu CD-ROM to install some packages.

All softwares cannot be installed or uninstalled using Add/Remove Applications. If you cannot find the package you are looking for, click Advanced to open Synaptic.


Synaptic Package Manager

Synaptic is an advanced package management application that can install and remove every package available to your system. The interface is graphical like Add/Remove Applications, but presents much more information and gives you complete control over the software on your computer.

To launch Synaptic, from the System menu choose Administration > Synaptic Package Manager.

You need administrative access to use Synaptic.

If you know the name of the package you want to install or remove, click the Search button, and enter the package name or a short search term. You can also search for packages by description (for example, you can find all packages mentioning “arcade” or “mathematics”). Use the categories on the left to filter the list of packages. To return to the list of categories after doing a search, click Sections.

To install a package, click the box next to it and choose Mark for installation. If you change your mind, choose Unmark. To remove a package that is already installed, choose Mark for Removal. When you’ve finished, click Apply and Ubuntu will make the changes you selected. If you don’t want to make any changes, close the window instead.

Click Apply button in conformation popup window installation process would be successful.

Command-Line Package Management With APT

Steps to open a terminal

If you are comfortable using the Terminal, you can use apt (Advanced Packaging Tool) to install or remove software. You need administrative access to use apt.

To update the local list of packages, enter in a Terminal the below comand

$ sudo apt-get update

To install all available updates:

$ sudo apt-get upgrade

To install a package:

$ sudo apt-get install package

To remove a package:

$ sudo apt-get remove package

To list other apt commands and options:

$ apt-get help

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