Synaptic Package Manager
Contrary to what you may have heard, you do not have to install applications by compiling them from source code. Ubuntu includes an installation manager called Synaptic which automatically downloads, installs, and configures new applications. Let’s take a step back for a second. Which application installation procedure looks easiest to you:
| Method 1 | Method 2 |
|
|
Ok, the word “pay” gives it away, but as you can see, a Ubuntu installation is significantly easier than a Windows install. New installs are automatically configured to work with any applications you already have installed. Additionally, uninstalls are done as simply as unchecking the box for the application and applying the settings.
The first thing we need to do is configure Synaptic to display every program available in the Ubuntu “repositories”. The repositories are simply locations which store information on which programs are available and where to download them. To enable all the repositories do this:
- Open Synaptic (System > Administration > Synaptic Package Manager)
- Enter your password (remember, installations require root access)
- Select Settings > Repositories
- Click Add
- For each option under Repository combo box, select all the check boxes
Note: This will enable certain closed source and sometimes non-free applications. Be sure you understand any EULA’s for packages these may apply to (such as MP3 codecs). - Click Ok
- In the Software Sources listing, make sure every box is checked, except for the CD Sources (should be the one at the top of the list)
- Click Ok
- Close and reopen Synaptic
- Refresh the packages via Edit > Reload Package Information
That’s it. You have Ubuntu configured to enable you to select and install any application in the Ubuntu Universe. As an additional note, this also controls the applications which are available from the Add Applications option under the GNOME Applications menu.
As you can see on the left side, there are categories available which will quickly sort the entire Universe by the applicable selection. The search feature at the top allows you to search for a specific package by name and detailed description. If you know exactly what package you are looking for, simply click on an item in the package list and type the name of the target package.
Whenever you click on a package in Synaptic, you can see a detailed description of what it does is displayed in the space below. This is a great way to find out what packages do without having to “Google search” them. If you want additional information, such as the size of the application, just right click on it and select Properties.
Installing applications is as simple as clicking on the box next to the package name and selecting “Mark for Installation”. Any dependencies are automatically determined, and if you do not have them on your system, you will be notified that they, too, will be downloaded and installed. Ubuntu installations literally are just a single click!
If any packages catch your eye while playing around with Synaptic, by all means install them. There are over 10,000 packages freely available, so don’t hold back!
| Synaptic Package Manager | ||
Installing Common Packages with Automatix
The first thing I do with any new Ubuntu install is load Automatix, a script developed by a fellow on the Ubuntu Forums who goes by arnieboy. Automatix essentially is a selectable collection of scripts you choose to run which do everything from installing Firefox plugins, installing a firewall, getting vital multimedia codecs, to Linux OS tweaks. The list goes on as there are over 40 options to choose from, best of all, as the name indicates the downloads and installs are done automatically!
Let’s set it up. Here is how:
- Open Firefox from either the shortcut bar at the top of the screen or by going Applications > Internet > Firefox Web Browser
- Go to this location: http://beerorkid.com/automatix/
- Download the latest version of Automatix by clicking the appropriate link and save it to your “/home/[your user name]” folder
- Open a command terminal by going Applications > Accessories > Terminal
- Enter this at the command prompt to get the listing of files in your /home directory:
ls
- Find the listing for Automatix (it will be something like “automatix_5.1-1_i386.deb”), and enter the following:
sudo dpkg -i automatix_5.1-1_i386.deb
This takes the .deb file (which is like a Windows .msi file) and installs it to your system. You will have to enter your password in order to install it. - Close the terminal
- Open Automatix by going Applications > System Tools > Automatix
When you first open Automatix, you will be greeted by several alerts. It is important that you read these as they contain information about installing certain packages. Once you go through the notices (and possibly enter your password again) are presented with the plethora of options. No mystery here, just select the check box next to each option you want to install and click Ok. That’s it, just sit back and watch your selections be automatically downloaded and installed.
| Automatix, by arnieboy |
Fire Your Computer Guy!
A computer technician spills the beans and makes available the knowledge he has charged clients hundreds in service fees for. It is Computer Secrets Unleashed. Find Out More.
About the Author
Jason Faulkner is the man who brings you our daily tips. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
PCMech was founded by 
Ashley said:
7/27/2007 11:49 pm
thank you very much
[Reply]
Peter said:
8/10/2007 7:41 pm
This article finally helped me actually get something working! This is not my first kick at Ubuntu, but the first time I have been able to “enjoy” it. Next step - pick up a book and get deeper into it. Thanks!
[Reply]
Joe said:
8/12/2007 8:07 pm
I have had it with Windows and am in the process of making the switch to either Mac or Open Source. Since I already own a couple of computers, Linux is the most appealing. This article was a huge factor in helping me make my decision. I have installed Ubuntu 7.04 on my laptop and so far am incredibly happy with it. Thanks so much for taking the time to write this blog entry.
[Reply]
Alex Napa said:
8/16/2007 10:02 pm
I’m using AutoCAD drawing program for architecture work. I’m not sure if I can load AutoCad on to Ubuntu. In fact I’m at a cross roads, I’m sick and tired of forever upgrading my pc & laptop with RAM to be able to work highend graphics rendering on Windows, I’m desparate to change to Ubuntu. Is there a similar program available for Ubuntu?
Have you a suggestion?
Alex Napa
Architect Cook Islands
[Reply]
Adonis Villamor said:
8/23/2007 9:35 am
hmm.. it seems like the instalataion for lamp didnt work at all. after creating the public_html folder and puting my index.html there it says in the browser that i do not have permision in http://localhost/~myname/index.html
[Reply]
Doron said:
8/30/2007 5:01 pm
Excellent article - helped me overcome the first couple weeks with ubuntu.
[Reply]
Alan said:
9/6/2007 4:14 pm
For some reason, none of the screen shots are showing up. But nice article even without them (though it would have been better if they were there).
[Reply]
simon said:
9/10/2007 9:08 am
i’m looking for a recent ubuntu hardware compatibility guide, that includes a.o. the integrated intel chipsets 845, 850 and g33. can anyone help.
[Reply]
Rick Falzone said:
9/12/2007 4:50 pm
Thanks ,
This is a great site. I’ve been using Ubuntu for about two weeks now and love it. It’s come a long way since I tried it about two years ago. I’m just about ready to make the switch from Windows. I have a Mac machine, a couple of XP machines, a Vista Premium machine and a PCBSD machine. Ubuntu is going to be my mainstay though. I’m breaking my bonds from both Windows and Mac. Microsoft gets a bad rap sometimes and a lot of people don’t realize that Mac is just as bad with it’s propriety hardware and software. They are also over hyped and priced!!
One of the things I like the most about Linux and Ubuntu in general is the large community: always willing and glad to help. That means a lot!!! The open source community rocks with its generosity.
Thanks again to you and all the community!!
The Zoneman
[Reply]
istantch said:
12/6/2007 6:38 pm
how do you get to the GUI, I installed ubuntu server .. .but i cannot get to GUI, as a windows user I need interface to get things done at least for the beggining … thanks
[Reply]
mayur l rane said:
1/20/2008 11:22 pm
Thanks ,
This is a great site. I’ve been using Ubuntu for about 4 weeks now and love it. It’s come a long way since I tried it about 4 years ago.
[Reply]
Snirp said:
2/17/2008 6:08 pm
Great writeup. Can’t wait to get my hands on my new computer and get started with Ubuntu.
I can only envision trouble with getting drivers for the latest hardware, but you seem to have all the other bases covered.
Only trouble is with Autocad or an equivalent. Amazing that mature applications are available for most other tasks and not for vector drawing.
Photoshop Gimp
Maya Blender (worth mentioning in your guide?)
MSoffice OpenOffice
Autocad ???
Guess it will be Autocad under Wine, since Qcad is just not good enough….
[Reply]
Bjorn's Premium Bonds Resources said:
4/17/2008 7:40 am
Thanks for your advice. I would never thought of Synaptic Package Manager if I have not found this post. The last time I used Ubuntu was two years and then I gave up and went back to Windows. I think I try one more time.
[Reply]
Jay Rajput said:
4/26/2008 12:43 pm
For the LAMP installation we need to setup the alias if you want to add your own dir. Checkout the link for adding your virtual directory:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=28184
For the example given in the link try using
/web1 in place of web1
Alias web1 /home/jc/web1
Alias /web1 /home/jc/web1
[Reply]
brian said:
5/6/2008 5:57 am
Hello. I am not a current GNU/Linux user nor am I a programmer. I am a student learning to design websites. Tomorrow I am going to buy a new laptop, wipe Vista off of it, and instal Ubuntu Studio. This article will be the first think I go to the second after Ubuntu kicks in. Thank you for helping me make the transition!!! The GNU/Linux community and ubuntu community is extremely awesome!
[Reply]
ron said:
5/28/2008 11:44 pm
automatix does not support Ubuntu 8.04 hardy heron. just a heads up.
[Reply]