Different methods of installing a software application on Linux may or may not involve visiting a website. The best way to download and install an app on Linux is by getting the software from the software repositories.
Linux has software repositories with a package manager; this method sounds complicated but is more straightforward. A Linux distribution software installation system is like an application store; you can install most of your software.
This article will show you how to download and install new applications using a Linux operating system on your PC. Most Linux distributions feature a dedicated app with a simple GUI (graphical user interface) with which you can install the software.
There’s also the Snap tool with a Snappy package management system where you can find, download, and install applications. If you’re ready to install software on your computer using the Linux operating system, below are three methods to try.
Method 1: Via the Software Center
You can install software on Linux using the software center; you can find that by clicking the dash icon on your Ubuntu desktop. The dash icon is located in the upper-left corner and looks like a whirling circle; the menu should open once you click it.
Then, follow the steps below to begin the process of installing software on Linux:
- Locate and click on the Software Center on the menu you just opened; look for an orange shopping bag with a white “A.” Clicking on the Software Center will open the software store in a new window. If you’re not using the Ubuntu Linux distribution, you likely have a smaller GUI. Look for the Applications or Software section on the desktop window to install the new software.
- When you open the software store, locate the software you want to install. You can do that by browsing through the categories from the menu on the left. Otherwise, you can type in the software name in the search box on the top-right.
- Once you find the software, you should see an install button next to it; click it to download. When you click, a drop-down menu will appear asking you to verify your system’s admin user password. First, choose your username and input your password into the appropriate field.
- After inputting the password, click the “Authenticate button” to verify your user password and install the software.
Method 2: Via Snapcraft Store
If you don’t get the first method or want to try another, you can try the Snapcraft Store. Start by opening the Snapcraft Store in your browser; you can type the address in your browser’s address bar to open the store.
When you’re in the store, follow the steps below to download and install the software on your Linux:
- At the top of the Snapcraft page, go to the “Store” button on the gray navigation bar.
- Next, search for and select the software you want to install; a new page with the software’s details will appear.
- Next, scroll down to choose your preferred Linux distribution – Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, or CentOs. After choosing the distribution, a new page will open with your computer’s specific command prompt instructions. If you’ve already installed and enabled the snap tool on your system, you can click on the “install button.”
- The install command peculiar to your system will appear; you can open it on your desktop’s applications menu. Follow and run the required command in the window to install the tool. Note that some systems require multiple steps for installing and enabling Snap, so it is important to follow the command.
- Once you’ve enabled Snap on your system, locate the installation command prompt for the software and run it to install the software.
Method 3: Via Apt Manager
We will discuss the last method for installing software on Linux in this article is the Apt Manager. First, open a Terminal window on your Debian system (could be Ubuntu or anyone) by clicking the dash icon on the top-left.
Then, follow the steps below to complete the download and installation processes:
- On the Terminal window, type “Sudo apt-get update” to update your repositories and ensure you have the latest software packages.
- Next, press “Enter” on your keyboard to run the command; you may be prompted to input your password.
- By pressing “enter” or the return key on your keyboard, you’ll upgrade all the software installed on your system to the latest versions.
- Next, use “sudo apt-cache search (packageIname)” to search for and locate your software package of interest. This command will bring a list of matching software packages for your search.
- Then, run “sudo apt-cache show (package name)” to get the software’s details, including its architecture, version, and installation size.
- Next, type and run “Sudo apt-get install (package name)” to install the latest version of the software package you want to install.
- The terminal will ask you if you want to continue with a Y/n option; type “Y” to continue installing. To reinstall the software, run “Sudo apt-get install (application name);” to uninstall, replace the “install” with “remove.”
Conclusion
Now, you have three options for installing any software package on Linux. These installation methods are easy, provided you follow the instructions, especially since they are computer-specific. If you are installing a gaming software, ensure you go for one that offers amazing bonuses like the Parimatch casino promo code.