Browsing Albanian translation

1283.

Software Management

1284.

Software management in Ubuntu

1285.

Installing software in Ubuntu extends the functionality and usability of this operating system. This chapter describes the way Ubuntu manages software installation and how it keeps all software current.

1286.

Package management system

1287.

Ubuntu and various other Linux variants use a collection of software tools called a \emph{package management system}, or package manager. A package manager is a collection of tools that make installing, deleting, upgrading, and configuring software easy. A package management system has a database of software called a \emph{repository} where individual software is arranged into a collection called a \gls{package}. These packages, apart from the software, contain important information about the software itself, such as the software's name, description, version, name of the vendor, and a list of various \emph{dependencies} upon which the software relies for proper installation.

1288.

Most other operating systems require a user to purchase commercial software (online or through a physical store) or search the Internet for a free alternative (if one is available). The correct installation file must then be verified for integrity, downloaded, and located on the computer, followed by the user proceeding through a number of installation prompts and options. A package management system removes the user interaction from these steps and automates most, if not all, of the installation process.

1289.

Ubuntu comes with a package management system called \emph{Advanced Packaging Tool} or \acronym{apt}.

1290.

As discussed in \chaplink{ch:default-applications}, Ubuntu offers a wide range of applications for your daily work. Ubuntu comes with a basic set of applications for common tasks, like surfing the Internet, checking email, listening to music, and organizing photos and videos. At times, you may need an extra level of specialization. For example, you may want to retouch your photos, run software for your business, or play new games. In each of these cases, you can search for an application, install it, and use it \dash usually with no extra cost.

1291.

Software Center icon

1292.

By default, Ubuntu provides a centralized point with two different ways to browse the \emph{repositories} for searching, installing, and removing software.