Ubuntu Linux comes with all the software needed to complete your basic daily tasks. In cases where you need to install additional software you encounter the Ubuntu Linux package management system, aptitude. We will take a brief look at what software is included and how to install more as needed.
Installed Software
Ubuntu Linux comes with an impressive array of software installed by default. You will find a web browser, e-mail client, instant messenger client, bittorrent client, office suite, graphics program and audio/video player all installed by default. Ubuntu Linux is ready to meet all your general day to day needs out-of-the-box without the need for installation of additional software. That being said you are likely to encounter situations where you want to install additional software. Whether it be your preferred audio player or that specialized video editing program you use for work you will find it is very easy to locate and install whatever software you may need. Lets take a look at the Ubuntu Linux package management system. This is the system that will allow you to install new software quickly and easily.
Installing Additional Software
Installing software on Ubuntu Linux is done through a system called aptitude. The basic syntax for installing software from the command line is apt-get install <program> but as a beginner you are not required to install software from the command line. Ubuntu Linux comes with a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to assist users in installing new software.
You will find the Ubuntu Linux Add/Remove Software GUI under the Application menu (located on the top panel) > Add/Remove ... The first thing you will want to do once you have the GUI open is to change the "Show" drop-down box to All available applications. This will give you access to all open-source applications as well as third party applications, providing you with a greater selection of applications to choose from.
I recommend taking your time and browsing through the available applications. You can browse all applications in a single list or browse using the categories in the left hand panel. If you know the name of the application you would like to install you can also use the search box located in the top right corner of the Add/Remove GUI. In the screenshot to the right I did a search for the Exaile media player and as you can see the applications were filtered giving me only the applications that meet my search criteria. At this point I simply check the application and hit apply changes and let Ubuntu do it's thing! Ubuntu will install the application as well as take care of any dependencies the application may have.
Now that we know how to install new software lets setup our restricted formats and take a look at a few of my "Must Have Applications".
The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Ubuntu Linux
If you've decided to make the switch to one of the world's most popular Linux distributions (Ubuntu), but are unsure where to start, you've come to the right place! In this guide I will introduce you to the basics of the Ubuntu Linux OS (operating system).