How to Install Software in Ubuntu

Last Updated: June 3, 2021

Want to install programs you want, but because you are new to Linux, don't understand how it works? This article will show you how to install programs in recent versions of Ubuntu.

Steps

1
Connect to the internet, unless you are using offline repositories.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Installing Graphically

1
Click on Dashboard in the side bar.
2
Search for "Ubuntu Software Center and open it.
3
On the left side you can select the category of software you want to install. For example, you'd select Sound & Video to install any sound or video software.
- An alternate way is to use the search function and search for the required software.
4
Select the software you want to install. For example, choose Audacity from the list and click Install.
5
You will be prompted for the password of that computer. Type it to continue installing the software.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Installing via Terminal

1
Open Terminal by typing Ctrl+Alt+T or going in your Dashboard and searching for Terminal.
2
Enter the following command: “sudo apt-get install firefox” (without quotation marks) to install Firefox, for example. You can swap out "firefox" with the name of whatever software you're installing.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do you install .rpm files?

Community Answer

You need to install the following packages: alien dpkg-dev debhelper build-essential. Then, run sudo alien package.rpm (where package.rpm is the name of your file). This converts the file into a .deb package. You can now run sudo dpkg -i package.deb to install the debian file.
Question

How can I install programs downloaded from websites?

Community Answer

If you've downloaded a file in .tar.gz format, you can install it using the Terminal. First, extract the file into a new folder. Once extracted, open Terminal and navigate to the new folder. Type "./configure" and press Enter. After that has finished, type "make" and press Enter. Finally, type "sudo make install" and enter your password when prompted. This will install the program.
Question

How do I install the software if I do not know the administrative password?

Community Answer

You can't install the software without an admin password.
Question

When I use the command ./configure it says permission denied, what can I do?

Community Answer

First check to make sure the configure script is executable. From the terminal, type chmod +x configure. If you are still not able to configure, try running the script as root. sudo ./configure
Question

What do I do if my download fails when installing software in Ubuntu?

Community Answer

Try using a different repository or download it manually. Ensure that all of the dependencies of the requested program are installed before installing it. After that, go to the folder where the program is downloaded and run "dpkg -i name_of_program.deb" there.
Question

Can I install software in Ubuntu that isn't already present in the Ubuntu software center?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.
Question

I cannot access Ubuntu software center, what should I do?

Somone

Community Answer

If your Ubuntu Software system is not working, then you probably have a version of Ubuntu that is too old and is no longer supported. You will have to upgrade to a newer version of Ubuntu.
Question

Why doesn't it work without Internet?

Somone

Community Answer

An Internet connection is required in order to download the software in the first place. The programs are not stored on your computer.