How to Install Programs in Ubuntu

One of the few things that bug new users when first trying out a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu is how to install programs. In many cases installing programs is much different in Ubuntu then it is in other operating systems like Windows or Mac OS X. Bellow is a list of different ways to get new programs installed on your standard Ubuntu installation.

Add/Remove Program:

It may seem obvious, but it may be something that's overlooked to newcomers since Windows does not have anything like it. The Add/Remove program connects to the Internet to lists called repositories. These repositories tell Add/Remove what programs are available. By default only programs supported by Canonical are listed. Using the drop-down box at the top however, you can also add community supported programs and proprietary programs. You can also search or use the categories off to the left to narrow down the available programs. All you have to do now to install programs is check the ones you want and click on Apply Changes. All applications you selected will be installed automatically and will appear in your Applications menu (or Preferences/Administration if applicable.) If you want to remove a program, simply find it in the Add/Remove program and click apply. Easy.

This is the easiest way to add or remove programs in Ubuntu. These days the repository library is very large, so it's likely you'll find whatever you are looking for in there. If not, there are other ways you can install things.

Synaptic Package Manager:

The Synaptic Package Manager works similarly to the Add/Remove program, although its a bit more powerful. You can not only install specific programs, but packages, updates, kernels, and more. You can also get access to beta and development versions of programs if enabled. While there is more there, it's a bit less user-friendly than Add/Remove. It is very useful to finding specific packages however, which makes it more useful to power users. The danger of using this for newcomers is that be sure you do not uninstall any important system files! If this troubles you, you should just find other ways to get your programs. Similar to Add/Remove, to install or uninstall programs or packages simply check the box so it's filled or unchecked to uninstall and click Apply. Synaptic Package Manager is also a front-end for Advanced Package Tool.

Advanced Package Tool (Apt):

If you don't mind using the terminal, Apt is a great tool to install or uninstall programs. Like most program installations you'll need your Administrator's password. To start off, update apt. This will update its repositories. To do this, type in:

sudo apt-get update

When you get prompted for the [sudo] password, this is your administrator password.

Now you can install programs. To do this, you need to know what it is named. Often on websites this will be listed if they support Apt. You can also install anything listed in the Synaptic Package Manager since it uses Apt.

Suppose we want to install 3dchess. To do this type in:

sudo apt-get install 3d-chess

It will then alert you to how much space will be required to install and ask you to confirm. To uninstall type the same thing except using uninstall.

sudo apt-get uninstall 3d-chess

Likewise, it will ask you to confirm uninstallation.

Debian Packages:

Because Ubuntu is based off Debian, it can install programs in Debian packages. Debian packages behave very much like how installers work in Windows. When you launch a Debian package it'll launch the Debian Package Manager and install the program for you. If it's already installed, it'll give you the option to uninstall the program.

Compiling Source Code:

I wouldn't recommend this method for new users as it often requires editing configuration files. Often configuration files are edited and the make command is used. Most programs come with an alternative way to installing however.

Adding programs to the Applications Menu:

Usually this is done for you when installing most programs. If not, this can be done in GNOME by right clicking on the menu and selecting Edit Menu. Next select where you want to put it (such as Games). Now select New Item. If you know the name of the program (what you would type in the terminal) enter it under Command. If not, you can browse for where it is installed on the hard drive. After that's done you can set the Name, Icon, and Comment.