Ubuntu Documentation > Ubuntu 9.10 > Adding, Removing and Updating Applications > Installing an application

Installing an application

  1. Click Applications → Ubuntu Software Center.

  2. In the Get Free Software section, search for an application, or select a category and find an application from the list.

  3. Select the application that you are interested in. Click on the arrow button to find out more about the application. In some cases you can also view a screenshot of the application or visit its website.

  4. If you choose to install the application, you will be asked to enter your password. You can continue to browse other applications while the installation is in progress.

  5. Once installation has finished, your new applications should be available from the Applications menu.

For more information about using the Ubuntu Software Center, consult the Ubuntu Software Center Manual.

Other methods of installing applications

Using Synaptic Package Manager

Synaptic can be used to manage advanced software packages (such as server applications) which Software Center does not manage.

  1. Click System → Administration → Synaptic Package Manager. Enter your password if prompted.

  2. Click Search to search for an application, or click Sections and look through the categories to find one.

  3. Right-click the application that you want to install and select Mark for Installation.

  4. If you are asked if you would like to mark additional changes, click Mark.

  5. Select any other applications that you would like to install.

  6. Click Apply, and then click Apply in the window that appears. The applications that you chose will be downloaded and installed.

Downloading and installing a .deb package

You can download and install applications from websites. These applications are contained in Debian (.deb) packages. To install a Debian package:

  1. Download the package from a website.

  2. Double-click the package. It will be opened in the Package Installer.

  3. Click Install to install the package.

Installing single packages in this way is not recommended, for the following reasons:

  • The packages have not been checked for security by Ubuntu members, and could contain software which harms your computer. You should only download single packages from websites that you trust.

  • The package may require some extra software to run, which cannot be installed automatically. You will have to find and install this software yourself.

Clicking a link on a web page

Some web pages have links which install applications when you click them. These are known as “apt:” links. After clicking the link, you will be asked if you would like to install additional software. Click Install to start the installation process.

The application can only be downloaded and installed if it is available in a software repository which is currently enabled on your computer. This means that websites cannot trick you into installing software which is potentially harmful to your computer.

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