Most new users will use the Synaptic Package Manager to install packages.
Most new users will use the Synaptic Package Manager to install packages. These instructions are for installing packages from the command-line Terminal. Terminal can be started:
Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal
* Install packages:
sudo apt-get install packagename
* Example:
sudo apt-get install mpd sbackup
* Remove packages:
sudo apt-get remove packagename
* To remove all dependencies:
sudo apt-get autoremove
* Example:
sudo apt-get remove mpd sbackup
* Search for packages:
apt-cache search <keywords>
* Examples:
apt-cache search Music MP3
apt-cache search "Text Editor"
* Update the apt package database after adding/removing repositories:
sudo apt-get update
* Upgrade packages:
sudo apt-get upgrade
* Upgrade the entire distribution (e.g. from Gutsy to Hardy):
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
Installing .deb packages
Debian (.deb) packages are the packages that are used in Ubuntu. You can install any .deb package in your system. .deb files can generally be installed from your file manager (Nautilus) merely by clicking on them, since file associations with the default installer is already set in Ubuntu. These instructions are for those who wish to install packages from the command-line terminal (Terminal).
* Install a downloaded Debian (Ubuntu) package (.deb):
sudo dpkg -i packagename.deb
* Remove a Debian (Ubuntu) package (.deb):
sudo dpkg -r packagename
* Reconfigure/Repair an installed Debian (Ubuntu) package (.deb):
sudo dpkg-reconfigure packagename
*Example:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure mpd