The Easiest Ways to Install Any App or Software on Ubuntu

Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distribution, however many people believe it is difficult to install programmes and software. If you're new to Ubuntu or other Linux distributions, there are a variety of ways to get whatever software you desire.

We'll go over the best ways to install any software on Ubuntu in this article.

Method 1: From the Ubuntu Software Center, install

For the uninitiated, Ubuntu is based on Debian, another Linux distribution. As a result, many of Debian's benefits and flaws also apply to Ubuntu. This also implies that they use the same package distribution format. As a result, you can use this as a basic guide to installing applications on Ubuntu, Debian, and other Debian-based distributions.

Ubuntu's version of an app store is the Ubuntu Software Center. Despite the fact that Linux has a reputation for being a developer's platform, Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, have had app shops long before Apple or Microsoft even considered it. App stores exist for various desktop environments and distributions.

These app shops may have various looks and features, but they all work in the same way. The Ubuntu Applications Center is a good site to look for and install Ubuntu software. It can also assist you in the management of installed software.

1. Navigate to the Ubuntu Software Center.
2. Search for an app by browsing the categories and using the search button in the top-left corner.
3. Click on the app listing.
4. Click on the Install button.

This is how people have been installing software on Ubuntu, long before app stores were a popular concept.

Method 2: Ubuntu Software Installation With APT, you'll be able to (Terminal)

On Ubuntu, APT (Advanced Package Tool) is the default package installer and manager. It's a command-line utility that you'll probably use frequently. APT can be used to not only install software packages, but also to update, uninstall, and search for them.

Because you need to know the exact name of the package you're trying to install, using APT can be a little hard. If you have the programme, installing it on Ubuntu is as simple as entering four words into the Terminal. Of course, you'll have to press enter and input your password.

1.Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the Terminal.

2.Type this command: sudo apt install <package name>

• Replace <package name> with the name of the package.
• For example, sudo apt install vlc will install the VLC Media Player.

3.Enter your password.

4.Press Y when prompted.

Method 3: On Ubuntu, you can install software from a DEB package file.

If you're familiar with Android or Windows, you're probably aware with the terms APK and EXE. A DEB file is comparable to a.tar.gz file, however it is only for Debian and Debian-based Linux distributions. It's a file that can be installed as an executable. Many software developers assemble their programmes in the DEB package format and distribute the DEB file via their website or other online sources.

Google Chrome is a prominent example, as it is only accessible for Ubuntu as a Debian package. The file extension.deb can be used to identify a Debian package. There are several ways to install the DEB file on Ubuntu once you've downloaded it.

Making use of APT

If you didn't notice, we just talked about APT above. And here is just another evidence of the command-line tool's power and utility. Follow the instructions below to install a downloaded deb file on Ubuntu using APT.

1.Navigate to the downloaded DEB file using the File Explorer.

2.Right-click an empty space and select Open in Terminal.

3.In the Terminal, enter this command: sudo apt install <deb file name>

• For example, sudo apt install discord-0.0.17.deb
• You can also simply drag-drop the file into the terminal after typing, sudo apt install

4.Enter your password when asked.

And that’s about it. It’s not easy as a double click, but it’s not too complicated either, is it?

Using Ubuntu Software Center

If you prefer to double-click, that is convenient, makes sense, and also works. Unlike Windows, though, when you double-click a deb file on Ubuntu, you don’t have to go through an installation wizard.

1. Navigate to the downloaded DEB file using a file explorer.
2. Double-click on the DEB file to open it in Ubuntu Software Center.
3. Click on the Install button.
4. Enter your password when prompted.

Method 4: Using Universal Packages to Install Software

A universal Linux package is one that works with any Linux distribution, including Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch, and others. The Linux community, on the other hand, never leaves you with no options. Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage are the three most common universal package formats.

• Snap packages are already supported by Ubuntu, and you can locate and install them just like ordinary programmes through the Ubuntu Software Center.
• AppImages require no installation or support and may be run with only a double click.

We're left with Flatpak. Even though Ubuntu has Snap, some apps are only available as Flatpaks. If you want to install such software on Ubuntu, see the link below for instructions.

What are the Benefits of Installing Universal Packages?

So, you're aware that EXE files can only be run on Windows and APK files can only be run on Android? Except for a few hack jobs, such as Windows 11 enabling Android apps or Windows apps running on Linux. DEB files can also be used to install Debian and Debian-based distributions such as Ubuntu. RPM files can also be installed on Fedora, CentOS, and other Linux distributions. ArchLinux uses a proprietary 

You've probably figured out what the issue is. Because they're two different operating systems, it makes logical that EXE is just for Windows and APK is only for Android. Linux distributions, on the other hand, are frequently referred to as just Linux. This indicates that while Linux has a roughly 2% market share, that 2% encompasses Ubuntu, Fedora, Manjaro, and other distros, each with their own package distribution mechanisms.

Due to its low market share and other issues, a developer already has little incentive to create software for the Linux platform. Even if a developer dared to port their product to Linux, they'd have to do so for numerous different distributions. This issue is solved by using the Universal Linux Package format. As a result, many programmes are now only accessible in Snap, Flatpak, or AppImage formats.