How to Install Applications in Ubuntu

Last updated: June 30, 2013

Ubuntu_Software_Center

In this simple tutorial I’ll show you how to install an application in Ubuntu Linux. This maybe helpful for those who are new to Ubuntu.

Normally, we can install an app in Ubuntu from universe or multiverse repository, third-part repository, DEB installer or source package.

1.) Ubuntu comes default with main repository, universe repository, multiverse repository. There’re amount of applications in these repositories. You can install an app or software from them via Synaptic Package Manager or Ubuntu Software Center. See the picture at top.

2.) For an app that is not available in Ubuntu by default, the provider may create a personal repository to make it easy to install in Ubuntu. Users just need to add the repository to Ubuntu system by Software & Updates -> Other Software

third-party-repository

After that, update your system by this command:

sudo apt-get update

Or reload your package manager. Then app from this repository can be installed through Synaptic or Ubuntu Software Center.

3.) Some app developers provide .deb packages to make installation more easy. A file ended with .deb is a package format similar to Windows .exe file. You can double click to start installing it via Ubuntu Software Center.

DEB_file

4.) The latest method is difficult for beginners. That is build from the source package. You need to manually install building tools, fix dependency problems, etc. The most important is you must be familiar with Linux commands.

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I'm a freelance blogger who started using Ubuntu in 2007 and wishes to share my experiences and some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers. Please comment to remind me outdated tutorial! And, notify me if you find any typo/grammar/language mistakes. English is not my native language. Contact me via [email protected] Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/ubuntuhandbook1