Install and Update Software in Ubuntu

Sometimes your ubuntu need to upgrade or update and install the software. there are two way to update your ubuntu. first with command line, like all other linux user do and second with GUI (graphical user interface) just like windows users. in this particular session i would like to focus on gui update. i know you that’s what you want…Before we begin to learn how to install and update software in ubuntu, we need to know the idea behind the upgrade/update management in ubuntu.

There are literally thousands of Ubuntu programs available to meet the needs of Ubuntu users. Many of these programs are stored in software archives commonly referred to as repositories. Repositories make it very easy to install new software onto Ubuntu using an Internet connection, while also providing a high level of security, as each program available in the repositories is thoroughly tested and built specifically for each version of Ubuntu.

The Ubuntu software repositories are organized into four separate areas or “components”, according to the the level of support offered by Ubuntu and whether or not the program in question complies with Ubuntu’s Free Software Philosophy.

The repository components are:

• Main – Officially supported software.
• Restricted – Supported software that is not available under a completely free license.
• Universe – Community maintained software, i.e. not officially supported software.
• Multiverse – Software that is not free.

For more information regarding the Ubuntu Repository components, click here.

The Ubuntu Install CDs contain software from the “Main” and “Restricted” components of the repositories. Once your system is made aware of the Internet-based locations for these repositories, many more software programs are available for installation. By using the software package management tools already installed on your system, you can search for, install and update any piece of software directly over the Internet, without the need for the CD.

Ok lets get started, startup your maveric meerkat or other ubuntu version you have. the point your mouse to Application -> Ubuntu Software Center

Ubuntu Software Center, which originated with Ubuntu 9.10, is the GUI-based method to add both free and non-free applications and replaces the Add/Remove feature of earlier Ubuntu releases. It allows the user to selectively choose the repositories to be searched and then presents a list applications with brief descriptions of each program.

The left panel displays the enabled repositories. The right panel lists the applications available from the selected repository.

• With Get Software highlighted in the left pane, the applications contained in all the repositories listed in the left pane are displayed in the right panel.
• If an individual repository is highlighted in the left panel, only those applications from the selected repository are displayed on the right.

Adding The Repository List

to add the repository list you need to add the server address that provide software.  you can add this by clicking Edit -> Software Sources in Ubuntu Software Center window. fill the asked root password and hit enter.

New window will appear and listed default ubuntu repositories. you can change the default server to server closed to your position. to add another repositories, click tab Other Softwareand click the add button.

after finishing the process  you can start to find your software by using search field in the upper right of the sofware sources window. or you can browse yourselft in the categories provided. the software you’re looking for is ready to install. just hit install button and the process will run right away.