Ubuntu is a Linux operating system which is perfect for desktops, laptops and servers. Ubuntu is a perfect Linux distribution for new users and for those who want to switch from Windows to Linux. Ubuntu contains all the applications you need, starting with the web browser, word processing software, spreadsheet and presentation software, instant messaging, mail and much more. This guide is written from the "new Ubuntu user" perspective and it tries to help as many new comers as possible.

Today, you (the new Ubuntu user) will learn how to install different applications in Ubuntu, and of course, to uninstall them if you don't need them anymore. For this, there are multiple methods:

Method 1 - Add Remove Programs

Install software

Go in the left upper corner of the screen and click on "Applications", then on Add/Remove Programs. Wait for the application to search for software (a few seconds) and then you can search the applications you want to install. You can of course check only one or multiple applications, and when you are finished, click the "Apply" button to install the software you need. You then need to confirm the installation. Software installation will begin (it will take a few seconds) and when it's finished, it will let you know that all the applications are installed and you can double-click on their icons to start them.

Uninstall software

If you don't need some of the installed software anymore, you can open again the Add/Remove Programs application and uncheck this time the software you want to remove. Click the "Apply" button when you are done and a confirmation window will appear; hit the "Apply" button again and the software will be uninstalled.

Please take a look at the screenshots below for a better understanding.

Acidrip installation

Method 2 - Synaptic Package Manager

Synaptic is a graphical package management program, a front-end for apt. It is the most advanced package manager you will find for Ubuntu desktop.

You can start Synaptic if you go in the left upper corner of the screen and click on the third menu: System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager

Install software

When the application starts, it will take a few seconds (3-4 seconds) to load all the software. Then you can easily search for applications with the Search button, browse all the available software or look for specific software in the categories situated in the left part of the application. If you find the software you want to install, just click on the little white cube in front of it and you'll be presented with a menu from where you can select the Mark for Installation option. When you are with package selection, click the "Apply" button and the software will be installed (of course after you hit again the "Apply" button on the summary window).

Uninstall software

To uninstall software with Synaptic is again a very simple task. Open the application, search the software you don't need anymore and click on the little white cube in front of them so you can select the "Mark for Removal" option or "Mark for Complete Removal". The difference between Mark for Removal option and Mark for Complete Removal is that the last one will remove all the configuration files of the respective software (that means when you reinstall the software, none of the past configurations will be present).

Please take a look at the screenshots below for a better understanding.



Method 3 - GDebi Package Installer

This method can only install software packages from the WWW. For example, go to GetDeb.net and select whatever software you want to install, click on the name of the software where it says "Download" and when Firefox or Konqueror will ask you what do you want to do with the file, click on Open with 'GDebi Package Installer' button. After that, the GDebi application will open and all you have to do in order to install the software is to click the "Install Package" button. It will then download all the necessary dependencies and install the package. Then, you can access the package from the main menu.

Please take a look at the screenshots below for a better understanding.