Getting Apps: How to Install and Update Software in Ubuntu

Welcome to Your New Desktop

Once your Ubuntu desktop is up and running, your next step will be to install your favorite applications. Ubuntu offers multiple easy and powerful ways to manage your software.

Graphical Method: The Software Store

For users who prefer a graphical interface, Ubuntu comes with a default software center that functions just like an app store on a smartphone. Here you can browse, search for, and install thousands of applications. This is also where app updates are managed, making it simple to keep your software current.

Terminal Methods: apt and snap

For those who prefer the command line, Ubuntu provides powerful tools for software management.

Using apt: This is the traditional package manager for Ubuntu. For example, to install the popular VLC media player, you would open a terminal and run this command:

sudo apt-get install vlc

Using snap: The Snap Store is another modern way to get software, and it’s fully integrated into the Ubuntu Software center. To install the Brave web browser using a snap command, you would run:

sudo snap install brave

How to Keep Your System Updated

Besides installing new apps, it’s crucial to keep your system updated with the latest security patches and features.

The “Software Updater” program will automatically check for updates and notify you when they are available. You can also update everything from the terminal with two commands:

1. sudo apt-get update – This command resynchronizes your package lists to find new packages.
2. sudo apt-get upgrade – This command downloads and installs the new versions of all your packages.

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This post is based from content of the book Ubuntu System adminstration guide. And the book can be found here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mattias-Hemmingsson/author/B0FF5CQX13