How to Install Software on Linux
If you’re trying out Linux—or switching to it entirely—after getting used to Windows or macOS, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with how software installs on this open-source operating system. It’s a simple process, but it doesn’t work the same way as on Microsoft and Apple platforms.
There are also new terms to become familiar with that may confuse you. Here’s your complete guide to installing software on Linux: This guide looks specifically at Ubuntu, but many of the same principles apply to all other Linux distributions, and the steps shouldn’t be much different if you’re using something else.
Linux Software Basics
The first word you need to know about is “package,” which is how applications are called in Linux, and package managers are used to… well, manage them. Similar to the app store interface on your phone, package managers are used to find new software, ensure that the software is installed correctly, and automatically update it in the background.
These package managers will also eliminate the need for you to tinker with source code and compile programs yourself—traditionally this has been the way to get programs up and running on Linux, and they’re still an option for developers and power users who want more. control over your settings.
Another term you’ll come across is “repository”, which refers to collections of applications that your package manager can connect to. There are official third-party repositories (for example for Ubuntu) that are the most secure and well-supported, and there are also third-party repositories that you can turn to if necessary (often standard programs that are more niche and specialized).
Out of the box you will only have a certain number of repositories installed. Depending on the version of Linux you are using, you may have to configure your system to access more of them and find the application you need. As for third-party options, one example is Flathub , which comes with its own package manager, Flatpak .
To further complicate things, different package managers use different package formats. This is something that developers (not end users) have to deal with, so it shouldn’t cause you any problems – it’s just something else to be aware of if you see it mentioned. This simply means how the packages were compiled and bundled together with the necessary files they need to run.
While running package managers through their graphical user interface (GUI) is probably the best way to install software on Linux for most people, these package managers can also be accessed and managed through a terminal command line if you prefer. Another option is to find and download software online, just like in Windows or macOS. Just make sure you only install apps from trusted websites.
Installing New Linux Software
If you want to use the package manager GUI for your Linux of choice, you should find it prominently in the dock or in whatever launcher the operating system uses. For Ubuntu, you should see the Ubuntu App Center shortcut (an orange icon with an “A”) in the icon column on the left.
Open it and you’ll find a variety of different apps to choose from, sorted by category. Go to Art & Design to find tools for drawing and photo editing, for example, or Productivity to find alternative browsers and apps to get things done. If you’re looking for something specific, click the search button (magnifying glass icon) at the top left.
To use the GIMP image editor as an example: Click Art and Design , then GNU Image Manipulator . You’ll see a list of applications that will tell you the size of the program you’re downloading and some other details about it—just click the green Install button to download the package and install GIMP on your system.
Here’s another way to do it: Open a terminal (using the “Show Applications” button in the bottom left corner), then type “sudo apt install gimp” (without the quotes) and press Enter . “sudo” gives you installation permissions, “apt” is the package manager, and then you tell the package manager to install the GIMP software.
Some users find it easier and more convenient to use a terminal to get things done, and there are a few different tricks you can try: You can use “matching search” and then the type of program you’re looking for (such as “image editor”) to see the options. However, in most cases it is easier if you stick with the default package manager GUI.
Then, as I mentioned, you can also go online and find some programs: the GIMP download page is here. Note that some downloads require specific package managers – in the case of GIMP, you need Flatpak – so you will also need to download the appropriate package manager if required. Opening the downloaded package using a suitable package manager will install the application on your Linux system.