Package: How to Install Software in Debian Linux

This updated guide examines Package: How to Install Software in Debian Linux and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Using a Graphical Package Manager

1. Open the Synaptic graphical package manager. Synaptic comes preinstalled in Debian as long as you've installed the version with desktop support.^[1]You'll find it in your Applications menu, or under System > Administration . If you want to use a different graphical package manager, open that instead—most work similarly.
   • You can also run Synaptic from the command line usingsydo synaptic.
2. ClickSearch. It's the magnifying glass icon near the top of the window.
3. Search for the software you want to install. You can use the search bar to find something in particular or browse the list by category.
4. Select the package(s) you want to install. Check the box next to the name of any package you want to install. You can install multiple packages at once if you wish.
5. Click theApplybutton. It's at the bottom of the window. Synaptic will now download and install the selected packages.

Method 2of 3:

Using Apt

1. Open a terminal. If you're using a graphical user interface (GUI), you can usually do this by clicking the terminal icon or by pressingCtrl+Alt+T.
2. Runsudo apt-get updateto update the package manager. After typing that command at the prompt, press?Enteror?Returnto run it. After verifying your root password, the package manager will update to include the latest software sources.^[2]
3. Search for the package you want to install. If you already know the exact name of the package you want to install, skip to the next step. Otherwise, runapt-cache search softwareName(withsoftwareNamebeing the name of your software) at the prompt.
   • This can sometimes print out a lot of options, of which many are irrelevant. Be patient and read the description of every package to determine which one you want to install. If you're unsure, you can also useapt show packageName, withpackageNamebeing the name of any listed package, to get a longer description of what the package is.
   • If you're unsure what your software is called, you might try searching for a word that describes what the package does. For example, typingapt-cache search paintwill print the package names of many painting programs, including GIMP and Krita.
4. Runsudo apt-get install packageNameto install the package. ReplacepackageNamewith the actual package name. For example, if you want to install the packagedillo(that's a web browser), you would typesudo apt-get install dillo.
   • If additional dependencies are required for the package to install, follow the on-screen instructions to choose whether to install them now.
   • To remove an installed package, usesudo apt-get remove packageName.^[3]

Method 3of 3:

Using Dpkg

1. Download a package file. If you want to install a package that ends with the.debfile extension, you can use a built-in tool called dpkg .^[4]Start by downloading the desired *.deb file from your preferred source.
2. Open a terminal. If you're using a graphical user interface (GUI), you can usually do this by clicking the terminal icon or by pressingCtrl+Alt+T.
3. Usecdto enter the directory of the downloaded file. For example, if you've saved the file to a folder in your local directory calleddownloads, typecd downloadsand press?Enteror?Return.
4. Runsudo dpkg –i packageName. ReplacepackageNamewith the full name of the package ending in.deb. This installs the software package.
   • For example, to install a package called icewm_0.8.11-2.deb, typesudo dpkg –i icewm_0.8.11-2.deband press?Enteror?Return.
   • Type your root password when prompted to complete the command.