How to Install Anything in Ubuntu

Ubuntu has a built in package manager that makes it easier to install packages. It prevents packages from being scattered throughout your operating system, helping to keep it orderly. Synaptic is the most user friendly package manager of the several that can be found on Ubuntu.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open Synaptic in your Ubuntu operating system. To do this click "System," "Administration" and "Synaptic Package Manager." Enter your password that is asked to prevent unauthorized administrative changes to your computer.

2. Search for the software that you want to install. Click on "Search" in the tool bar and locate your file.

3. Select the file you want to install by right-clicking on it and designating the file to be installed. A pop-up will inform you of other files to be installed that are necessary to run the program. You can select to install multiple programs at one time.

4. Click the button that says "Apply." This will download and install all the programs you selected.

5. Check your "Applications" menu for the program that you just installed in Ubuntu. If it does not show up there then run the Debian menu by installing the package menu-xdg then restarting it.

Tips & Warnings

• You are able to remove packages from Ubuntu following the same steps by choosing "Uninstall" in Step 3.
• Many times if you install a package manually you will have duplicate programs on your hard drive that can bog down your system.

Resources

• Click here to go to the Ubuntu website for products, support and news.