How to Install Ubuntu Packages

This updated guide examines How to Install Ubuntu Packages and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1

Using the Ubuntu Software Center

1. Open Ubuntu Software Center. You'll find this in your Launcher.
2. Search or browse for an application. The search bar is located on the upper right side of the window; the categories for you to browse are on the left, including categories such as Accessories , Books and Magazines , Developer Tools , Education , and Fonts .
3. Click on the application you want. The line will highlight.
4. ClickInstall. You'll see this to the right of the application name. When you click to install, a window will pop up for your login information.
   • If you don't see the button to install, you might need to allow downloading from different sources from 'Software Sources' in the 'Edit' tab. You'll need to make sure all the boxes are checked.
5. Type your password and clickAuthenticate. You'll see a progress bar of the installation progress. You'll find the icon of the installed app in the Launcher.

Method 2

Using Synaptic

1. Open Synaptic. You'll find this on your Launcher, but it isn't a default program like the Ubuntu Software Center and you'll have to install it.
   • To install Synaptic, pressCtrl+Alt+Tto open Terminal. Typesudo apt install synapticand press?Enter. Synaptic will install and you'll see the app icon appear on your Launcher. You can close the Terminal.
2. Search for an application. You'll find the search bar on the right side of the window.
3. Click on the application you want to install. The line will highlight and a box will pop up.
4. ClickMark for Installation. The box will disappear, but another box will pop up explaining what else needs to be installed in order for the application you want to work.
5. ClickMark. All the dependencies and required applications will also be marked for installation.
   • You can continue selecting packages to install.
6. ClickApply. You'll see this in the top toolbar, with a green checkmark. You'll need to confirm this action. Installation might take a while, depending on how many packages you are installing and your internet speed.
   • You can find your installed applications by searching from the Launcher. Some applications may require you to restart your computer before you can use them.

Method 3

Using Terminal

1. PressCtrl+Alt+Tto open Terminal. You can also search for Terminal from the Ubuntu Dash.
2. Type "apt-cache show" to show the details of the app. If you know the app's name correctly, it will appear here. If not, you will get an error message and you might have to browse the categories to find the right name.
   • To search categories, type "apt-cache search." For example, to search for a racing game, type:apt-cache search racing game.
3. Type 'apt-get install' to download an app. To download the package, use 'apt-get install.' For example, the app name is Torcs, so you would typeapt-get install torcs.
   • To search your computer to see if you already have that game, use 'apt-cache policy.'^{[1]XResearch source}
   • You can find the icon to the app you just installed from your Dash.