How to Install Apps and Software on Linux Easily

Abhisek
GNU/Linux Native Package Managers Software Installation Guide

Most Windows users who have never used GNU/Linux often think that installing apps on GNU/Linux is complicated. But in reality, it is much easier and safer than Windows.

In GNU/Linux, you do not have to search for .exe files on sketchy websites. Instead, Linux uses centralised software repositories. These are like officially verified app stores where all software is checked, verified, and maintained.

And in this guide, I will show you the two most commonly used methods to easily install Apps and Software in Linux.

Method 1: Using Graphical Software Managers

Currently, by far the easiest way to install apps in GNU/Linux is by using a graphical software manager. Basically, it is an app store, similar to the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. However, do not think that it is copied from Microsoft or Apple; in reality, it is the other way around.

Today, almost all popular Linux distributions come with a desktop environment, and most of them include a built-in app store where you can browse, search, install, update, or remove software using a simple point-and-click interface.

How to Install Apps Using GUI Software Managers

Step 1: Open the Software Manager

Hit the SUPER key (Windows key) on your keyboard, then search for the term “software”. Depending on your Desktop Environment, you will find one of the following software managers.

  • In GNOME/Cinnamon: “Software Center”
  • In KDE Plasma: “Discover”
  • In Unity/Cosmic/Pantheon: “App Center”

So click whatever you see, according to your Desktop environment, and it will open the app store for you.

Step 2: Search for the App

When the app store opens up, click the search button and type the name of the app you want to install. For example, to install the popular VLC media player, search for “VLC”, and the result will list all the available options.

Step 3: Installation

Select the app from the listed results and click Install. The system will ask you to enter your password because Linux requires admin permission to install as well as uninstall software for security reasons. So enter it and wait for the installation to complete.

Once the installation is completed, you will find the newly installed software in the application menu.

How to Update Apps Using GUI Software Managers

When new updates are available for any installed app, they will appear in the “Updates“ or “Manage“ section of the Software Manager.

Just click Update All button to update all your installed software along with your system.

How to Uninstall Apps Using GUI Software Managers

Open the Software Manager, and search for the name of the application you want to remove or uninstall. Then select it, but this time, click the Uninstall or Remove button. Then enter your password, and within a few seconds, the app will vanish from your system.

Using Synaptic Package Manager (Alternative Method for Lightweight Desktop Environments)

Let’s say, for some reason, you are not using any popular Linux Desktop environment but a lightweight one, like XFCE, Mate, LXDE, or LXQT and that too over a Debian or Ubuntu based distro. Then, in that scenario, there is a high chance that you will not find a modern App Store. Rather, you will find something called “Synaptic Package Manager“. But don’t let the dated interface of Synaptic fool you; it is a very powerful and reliable software manager.

How to Install Apps Using Synaptic Package Manager

Step 1: Open Synaptic and Refresh the Software Repository

When you click on the Synaptic Logo, first, the system will ask you to enter your password. Once you do that, an info page will appear, which will give you all the basic information about what Synaptic Package Manager is and how to use it properly. Once you are done reading, close it.

Next when using synaptic, first thing you must always do is hit the Reload button, doing this will make sure that you always get all the updated software and packages.

Step 2: Search for the App

Click the Search button on the top right corner and type the name of the app or software you want to install. Let’s take GIMP as an example and hit enter. The results will list multiple options, so find your preferred app from the list.

Step 3: Installation

After you have found your preferred app, Right-click on it and select Mark for Installation. A new summary screen will show you all the dependencies that will be installed along with the app, so click Mark to select them all. Then hit the Apply button on the top and then Apply again. And once the installation is done, a “Changes Applied” dialogue box will appear on screen as a confirmation.

How to Update Apps Using Synaptic Package Manager

First refresh the repository by clicking the Reload button, then click Mark All Upgrades, which will automatically select all the apps, software and packages that needs to be updated. Then click the Apply and the Apply again. Eventually, this will update all your installed software along with your whole system.

How to Uninstall Apps Using Synaptic Package Manager

Open the Synaptic Package Manager, and search for the name of the application you want to uninstall, then select it from the list and right-click on it. Then select Mark for Complete Removal and then click Apply and Apply again. And within a few seconds, the app will be removed from your system.

Method 2: Using Terminal Commands And Native Package Managers

If using a Graphical Software Manager is the easiest way, then using the Command Line Interface with Native Package Managers is the most efficient way to install apps and software in Linux.

What Are Native Package Managers?

Every Linux distribution comes with a terminal emulator as well as a Native Package Manager, which are specialised software tools that are built into the Linux distribution to automate the installation, configuration, and removal of software and other packages. Even the aforementioned Graphical App Stores use a Native Package Manager in the background.

And as the name suggests, native package managers handle packages that are native to a particular Linux distribution. For example:

  • APT (Advanced Package Tool) and DPKG (Debian Package) are native to only Debian and Ubuntu based distros.
  • DNF (Dandified YUM) and RPM (Red-Hat Package Manager) are native to Fedora and Red Hat based distros.
  • Arch based distros use Pacman (Package Manager).

These are not the only ones, but more than 90% of Linux distros use one of these package managers.

Why Use the Command Line Interface (Terminal)?

Many new Linux users get nervous about using the terminal, but actually, it is very simple and much faster than clicking through menus. Plus, a terminal will always be available in a Linux Distro, even if you do not have a Graphical App Store to install apps.

How to Install Apps Using the Terminal Commands

Step 1: Open a Terminal

Hit the SUPER key and search for the term “terminal”. The naming scheme of terminal emulators might be different depending on the Desktop Environment you are using. Some simply call it “Terminal”, some call it “Console”, and some call it “Konsole” with a “K”, but no matter what they are called, all their logos look very similar: an angled bracket on a dark background.

Step 2: Identify Your Package Manager (If Unsure)

If you are aware of what Linux Distro or Package Manager you are using, then you can skip this step. But if you are unsure, then run this command:

 command -v apt dnf pacman

This will show which package manager your Linux distro has. If you see /usr/bin/apt, then you are on Debian/Ubuntu. If you see /usr/bin/dnf, you are on Fedora/Red Hat. If you see /usr/bin/pacman, then you are on Arch.

Step 3: Installing Software via Terminal Commands

First things first, always update your system’s software database or repository before installing new software. This will make sure you always get the most up-to-date apps during installation. So, use these commands:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

 sudo apt update

For Fedora/Red Hat:

 sudo dnf check-update

For Arch:

 sudo pacman -Sy

Once you enter the command in the terminal, it will ask you to enter your password, do it, and the software repository will be refreshed.

Then, to install a new Package or Software use these commands:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

 sudo apt install {package-name}

For Fedora/Red Hat:

 sudo dnf install {package-name}

For Arch:

 sudo pacman -S {package-name}

Just change the {package-name} with the name of your software. For Example, to install Shotcut Video Editor, you can use this command:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

 sudo apt install shotcut

For Fedora/Red Hat:

 sudo dnf install shotcut

For Arch:

 sudo pacman -S shotcut

Again, the terminal will ask you to enter your password, do it, and the software will be installed.

Updating Software via Terminal Commands

In GNU/Linux, you won’t have to update software separately. Instead, when you update the system, it takes care of the software update as well. So, to update your system, use these commands:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

 sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

For Fedora/Red Hat:

 sudo dnf update

For Arch:

 sudo pacman -Syu

Uninstalling Software via Terminal Commands

To uninstall or remove software via terminal, use these commands:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

 sudo apt remove {package-name}

For Fedora/Red Hat:

 sudo dnf remove {package-name}

For Arch:

 sudo pacman -R {package-name}

Just change the {package-name} with the name of your software and hit enter. The terminal will again ask you to enter your password, so do it, and the software will be removed from your system.

Conclusion

Installing apps and software on GNU/Linux might seem different at first, but it is actually much simpler and safer than you think. These two above-mentioned ways are two of the most common methods, but they are not the only ones.

You can install apps:

  • Using Universal Package Managers like Flatpak, Snap and AppImage.
  • Using Third Party Installers like .deb or .rpm packages.
  • Using Distro Agnostic Package Managers like Nix or Guix.
  • And by using Binaries as well as Compiling from source

However, for most new Linux users, graphical software managers and terminal commands with native package managers cover 99% of needs. Plus, they are very safe to use. Unlike Windows, where you download “.exe” files from random websites and hope they are safe, Linux uses verified software repositories, which are maintained by the distro developers. Every package is checked and verified. There is no chance of bloatware or malware. And unlike Windows, where you have to update every app individually, Linux updates everything centrally from the operating system to apps and drivers. In just one click.