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The most often asked question when discussing Ubuntu basics? How do I add programs? While I could end the conversation with Synaptic or Ubuntu Software Center, the fact remains that there are other avenues — some of which are unknown to even seasoned users. Over time, I've created a partial listing of websites, managers and sources I've found of interest. Undoubtedly, I've missed a couple and ignored others (like rebranded managers that are merely fronts for another), but you'll get some idea of what exists. Stars below the title indicate my personal score out of five. For the purposes of this listing, Ubuntu refers to not only that OS but any fork or variation based upon it.
La question la plus souvent posée lors d'une discussion des bases d'Ubuntu ? Comment ajouter des programmes. Alors qu'il serait possible de terminer la conversation en disant Synaptic ou la Logithèque, il n'en demeure pas moins vrai qu'il y a d'autres voies, dont certaines sont inconnues même aux utilisateurs aguerris.
Au fils du temps, j'ai créé une liste non exhaustive de sites web, de gestionnaires et de sources que j'ai trouvés dignes d'intérêt. J'en ai certainement oublié un ou deux et j'ai préféré ignorer d'autres (comme des gestionnaires renommés qui ne sont que des substituts pour les originaux), mais vous aurez une assez bonne idée de ce qui existe.
Les étoiles sous le titre représente mon appréciation sur cinq. Pour les besoins de cette liste, Ubuntu veut dire non seulement ce système d'exploitation précis, mais toute branche ou variété qui y sont basées.
Ailurus Named after a Chinese red panda, Ailurus is an add-on (Ultimate Edition – UE, does have it as standard). Offers nearly 100 programs but it can also clean junk files, list device information, edit repositories, and provide Linux tips and tutorials. It can be found at http://code.google.com/p/ailurus or in the getdeb repository. Good: Offers system information, along with helpful hints and programs to add. Gives apt-get commands in program notes should you go that route. Puts already installed programs at bottom of listings instead of mixing with new ones. Installs tar files without having to extract, compile, etc. Bad: Basically a GUI front end for apt-get, so users do have to watch for questions that may pop up when the terminal starts its work (it's not a click-and-ignore system). Some links are dead or outdated, and be wary of the junk file removal system (it once attempted to remove an active kernel from my system).
Ailurus Ailurus, qui porte le nom d'un panda rouge chinois, est une extension (c'est inclus dans Ultimate Edition - UE par défaut). Propose près de 100 programmes, mais peut aussi nettoyer des fichiers inutiles, donner des informations sur les périphériques, éditer les dépôts et fournir des astuces et des tutoriels pour Linux. On le trouve à http://code.google.com/p/ailurus ou dans le dépôt getdeb.
Bons points : donne des informations système ainsi que des conseils et des suggestions de programmes à ajouter. Fournit les commandes apt-get dans les notes sur le programme au cas où vous aimeriez utiliser le terminal; Met les programmes déjà installés en bas des listes au lieu de les mélanger avec des nouveaux. Installe les fichiers tar sans que vous deviez les extraire, les compiler, etc.
Mauvais points : en fait une interface graphique pour apt-get ; les utilisateurs doivent donc être à l'affut de questions qui peuvent se présenter quand le terminal commence son travail (autrement dit, ce n'est pas un truc cliquer, puis oublier). Quelques liens sont morts ou périmés et il faut se méfier de la fonction de suppression de fichiers inutiles (une fois, il a essayé d'enlever un noyau actif de mon système).
Alien/Package Converter Option for installing foreign packages outside the deb arena, Alien is often passed over because it's a command line proposition. The addition of the Package Converter GUI changed it from a difficult option to an easy-to-use program. Excels in taking various file packages from other formats such as tar, and converting them to deb. Alien is in the Ubuntu repositories. Package Converter is available at http://code.google.com/p/foxoman/. Good: When it works, it can convert foreign (non-deb) files to something Ubuntu can digest. The worst it can do is refuse and no damage is done in the process. This places Alien in the safe “never know until you try” category. Bad: Seems to be a 50/50 proposition, with some files refusing to convert. Many users who are turned off by the command-line interface are unaware of the GUI available with Package Converter.
Alien/Package Converter Une possibilité, si vous voulez installer les paquets venant d'en dehors de la famille deb. On oublie souvent Alien, car il faut utiliser la ligne de commande. L'addition de l'interface graphique Package Converter l'a transformé d'option difficile en programme facile à utiliser. Prend divers paquets de fichiers dans d'autre formats, tels tar, pour les convertir en deb, et ce, de façon excellente. Alien se trouve dans les dépôts Ubuntu. Package Converter est disponible à http://code.google.com/p/foxoman/.
Bons points : quand il fonctionne, il sait convertir des fichiers étrangers (non-deb) en un format qu'Ubuntu peut digérer. Au pire, il refusera de le faire et vous ne constaterez pas de dégâts. Cela met Alien dans la catégorie « inoffensive, il faut l'essayer pour savoir ».
Mauvais points : donne l'impression de fonctionner la moitié du temps, avec des fichiers qui refusent de se convertir. Pas mal d'utilisateurs qui n'aiment pas l'interface en ligne de commande ne savent pas qu'il y a une interface graphique disponible avec Package Converter.
Alioth.Debian.org Website that is a parking place for Debian, Windows, and Mac developmental programs. Often has a listing of 10 to 20 projects available for download with many being either beta or final releases.
Good: You can find some unusual projects in here that may eventually make it to the mainstream.
Bad: Website speed is measured in minutes, and navigation is largely a matter of luck. Some projects may not be ready for prime-time, so download anything with a great deal of caution.
Apt-Get Command-line protocol for the retrieval of programs from the Internet. Requires nothing more than a terminal and the ability to type “sudo apt-get install” plus a program name. Since all Ubuntu variants come with a terminal, it could be stated that apt-get is standard equipment.
Good: Requires just a terminal and keyboard. Can also be used to remove programs no longer desired, but see note below about exact names. For those desiring older program versions over the current, apt-get commands can be altered for this.
Bad: Adds dependencies by the bushel, most of which aren't necessary. To avoid this you must be versed in the “sudo apt-get install –no-install-recommends” command line, something most are not even aware of. Requires exact program name—and that may not be what you think. Less effective as a method of uninstalling programs (often leaves stray files and dependencies), and users must know the difference between purge and remove in this category.
Aptitude Package Manager GUI front-end for apt-get, Aptitude goes one step further by allowing users to search without having to dig through repositories or knowing exact program titles. Few know this exists—because it's tucked away in the System menu in the Administration sub-category if it's there. If not, get it from the Ubuntu repositories.
Good: Allows for program, driver and codec searching with just a partial name. Also does complete purging of installed programs should something you add be stubborn (unlike other managers that may leave residual file traces). For those thinking it looks a little familiar, Synaptic, Ubuntu Software Center, and Adept all have similar interfaces and borrow heavily from Aptitude.
Bad: If any of your repository sources are slow to respond, it can drag Aptitude down (takes an inordinate amount of time to pass over an unresponsive source). Canonical passes on it for their Ubuntu Software Center (naturally).
BodhiLinux.com Main website for Ubuntu-based Bodhi Linux. You can't actually download specific programs without pulling a few tricks, but this one is stellar in its listing of programs, alternatives, and descriptions for both. Over 2GB of listed programs and packages, and some of the narratives are more in-depth than what the individual developers provide.
Good: Comprehensive listing of packages and individual programs along with alternatives. Descriptions are concise, and forums are well staffed should you have more questions. Unlike other OS-based sites that give a listing but no way to download programs, this one provides all services.
Bad: Unless you're using Bodhi, you can't just download from the website: you'll have to add the repository (deb http://packages.bodhilinux.com/bodhi/) to another package handler for that duty. Due to .bod file extension, even Bodhi users must go through Firefox or Midori browsers (nothing else works).
Dedoimedo.com Devoted to providing Linux information, along with program offerings, this site plays equally across all offerings, and it's possible to find tutorials about Suse, Debian and Puppy Linux as well as Ubuntu and variants. Found at http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/new-cool-list-linux.html.
Good: Gives in-depth tutorials on how to install nearly any Linux offering, while throwing a few programs in the mix, too.
Bad: Confusing mishmash of new and old. You'll see an article for the newest version of Ubuntu, but go to tutorials and it mentions “Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala is going to be released soon” which makes that part about 3 years out of date (not to mention offering Firefox 3.1 from 2008). Finding programs can be a trick, and make sure what you choose is the current version.
DVDs Since Canonical doesn't offer downloads of its program library (at least not as a whole unit) you can buy a copy at places like EBay, ElectroDisc, OSDisc or LinuxCD.org.
Good: No Internet connection worries here, mate. Great for those without reliable internet service.
Bad: You have to pay up to $30 for this “free” software, and the average collection seems to range from 8 to 12 DVDs, requiring a lot of swapping to access contents. Depending upon how radical the next Ubuntu upgrade is, these libraries could be outdated in as little as 6 months. If it's the standard Ubuntu library, you've already got it in Synaptic or Ubuntu Software Center.
Eve Installer Relatively unknown, this manager/installer is fairly elusive, although it can be downloaded via http://apticon.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/eve-installer-0-9-3-51-3/ (make sure you get the proper version – it's offered in both English and Spanish).
Good: Offers repositories and PPA sources along with a few programs. Although the programs are limited, the listing is still more than Ubuntu Tweak and the like. Looks like a hybrid between Ubuntu Tweak and Ailurus and that isn't bad.
Bad: It's really a front for automatically running terminal apt-get commands, so you can't just click and forget (remain seated in case questions pop up). Currently pegged for Ubuntu 11.x and Mint 12—so those using earlier or later versions should be careful. Unknown developer, so will it be around long?
GDebi GUI for installing deb files downloaded from websites and sources outside the repositories. Dumped from Ubuntu after 10.04, it can be added via Synaptic or Ubuntu Software Center or through https://launchpad.net/gdebi. Great if you're in the habit of grabbing deb packages from online sources, GDebi doesn't list programs as much as offering a way to install them without having to use the more bloated Ubuntu Software Center.
Good: Faster to install programs than Ubuntu Software Center (USC) that replaced it, although the gap seems to be lessening as Canonical updates USC.
Bad: Has a cruel streak of listing dependencies and then refusing to install them until yet another dependency is located (yet will offer to install them all occasionally). Largely ignored for USC. Installs but not much else.
GetDeb.net Both a website and a program. The site (www.getdeb.net/welcome) contains Debian programs but you have to add it to your software sources. Offers almost 25 pages of programs, roughly 120 in all. Link for games goes to separate site, PlayDeb.net, that offers a like number of games.
Good: Installs programs with a single click, and listing does offer some programs not found in the usual repositories (some dating back to 2009). Offers program website links for those desiring additional information before committing. Attempting to install what you've got already halts the process before creating additional problems.
Bad: Site appears to have a random update schedule, and anything after page 10 is almost guaranteed to be inactive. No clue as to file size until you opt for installation, and some are deceptively large. Contains programs that defected from deb standards to tar (thereby canceling installation attempts).
Launchpad.net Devoted to Ubuntu software, and appropriate given it is currently maintained by Ubuntu developer Canonical. Mainly a place to keep and maintain software projects—you can find everything from completed programs to those in alpha/beta stages. Located at https://launchpad.net.
Good: If it's Ubuntu related, it's probably here, including long-forgotten apps and libraries left to the dustbin of time. This is where most people are directed to if they are doing a Google search for a specific Ubuntu program that is no longer active.
Bad: A parking lot for development programs, there is no table of contents, per se, so plan on playing hide-and-go-seek. Older programs may come with dependencies no longer necessary, while those marked as beta or unstable may not work. Geared more to the developers than actual users, many may find some of the lingo outside their realm of knowledge.
LinuxAppFinder.com Specializes in the listing of Linux applications, but this site also comes with a listing of Linux alternatives to Windows or OS X programs, and mixes free with commercial.
Good: Wide range of programs, just about the whole of what you might find in Synaptic and then some. Has both free and commercial applications for those who prefer those choices, and offers alternatives for those switching from Windows or Apple. Allows visitors to sign up for weekly emails that highlight new applications just entered.
Bad: Some listings are merely links to other sites, especially commercial applications. Can't tell 32 from 64-bit processors so it's up to you to install the proper version. Allows unknown developers to park programs here—so know what you're getting before committing.
Muon Package Manager The primary KDE package manager, about 90% of the included programs will work just fine in other shells. Relatively unknown outside of KDE circles for some reason. Can be found in the Ubuntu repositories. Recent updates have turned it into a software center, package manager and update manager.
Good: Can update installed programs as well as the OS itself. Remove the titles and you'd swear it's Synaptic or Ubuntu Software Center at first glance. Offers a good selection of programs. Intuitive interface and nearly every program has a rating up front instead of having to dig.
Bad: Also unknown outside of KDE circles because many assume these programs can't be run outside that desktop (not true). Unfortunately, the 10% that won't work can really gum up your system. Mainly a 11.x and 12.x proposition; at this point it's nice but Synaptic offers pretty much the same.
PlayDeb.net Sister site to GetDeb.net, above, this one lists games—about 100 spread out over 26 pages. Offers emulators for long extinct and modern gaming systems, although you'll have to cough up the game ROM chips or code to run them. You can link from GetDeb.net, or go to www.playdeb.net/welcome.
Good: Offers some games not found in repositories, along with website links and videos. Narratives give what Ubuntu versions each game will work on — instead of finding out the hard way.
Bad: After the fifth page or so, the links are mainly dead, and some won't install because developers defected to non-deb standards. No clue as to file size, and some are humongous. Hardly inspires confidence by indicating they don't guarantee quality or content.
repogen.simplylinux.ch Not a program manager or listing agent, this site specializes in creating PPA source lists that you can copy and paste into another package manager. This, in turn, allows for programs to be listed and eventually downloaded. Go to http://repogen.simplylinux.ch/ for additional information.
Good: Very comprehensive listing of sources, just about everything is covered here from the well-known to the obscure. You merely click on what you want, and press Generate to create a PPA listing that can be exported to your manager of choice. Easy interface that anybody can understand, and has a separate link titled DebGen that will generate Debian sources, most of which can be used in Ubuntu. You can actually choose sources from various countries (why, I don't know).
Bad: As with all PPA sources, some are dead out of the gate. I have no doubt a few of these are unstable or beta sources, so be careful what you download.
Softpedia.com Mix of Windows, Mac and Linux programs, this site offers nearly 900 Linux apps, some of which don't appear readily available via the usual repositories or other package managers.
Good: Wide mix of programs, and descriptions are better than most. Users reviews are often included, and those utilizing RSSOwl or other RSS readers can set up a feed that provides the top 10 to 20 programs of the day.
Bad: Not everything is a program, and some links go to ads. No way of knowing if your program is tar, deb or otherwise, so have Alien at the ready. Sometimes Windows and OS X programs get tossed in with Linux, so watch what you click.
SourceForge.net Site offering roughly 650 Linux programs, this is a distant kin to Softpedia, mentioned above, and has programs for Windows, OS X and various Linux alternatives. One of the few sites I know of where Linux listings outnumber those for Windows.
Good: Good number of programs along with user ratings and screenshots. Using the advanced search function, you can separate the expensive programs from the free offerings. In advanced mode, hovering over a program's title causes the area to expand with more information such as user rating, an in-depth description and last update status.
Bad: Unless you use advanced search options, pages are a mix of Windows, OS X, and Linux programs — with no indication of OS limitations until you click on the header. Page loading can be tedious. Most of what I saw can be retrieved easier from already existing sources on your computer.
Synaptic Package Manager Standard equipment up through Ubuntu 10.04, this manager was replaced by Ubuntu Software Center. Offers over 30,000 programs, shells, drivers and codecs, across a wide spectrum: Gnome, KDE, Unity, e17, etc. If it's not already installed (go to System/Administration), you can get it from the Ubuntu repositories. KDE version was called Adept, but that has been replaced by Muon.
Good: Terrific number of programs. Adding PPA sources can increase that number greatly. Good search and filter options. Allows the option of using older PPA sources for those preferring earlier or discontinued programs.
Bad: Installs outdated and/or useless dependencies galore, sometimes hundreds of megabytes beyond what the actual program carries. May uninstall another program for the one you choose, so read the warning box that pops up before authorizing installation. Descriptions, especially for earlier programs, can border on cryptic, and the screenshot function rarely works. Interface is getting old.
Ubuntu.com What better website than the developers sponsoring the OS you're using? Just go to http://packages.ubuntu.com/.
Good: You can spend days perusing the listings, and it has active collections back to Hardy Heron, as well as current and beta releases. Ancient history buffs can find releases going back to 2004 (Warty Warthog). If it's here, it's safe.
Bad: Can get pokey, and visiting as a new Ubuntu version is released is just begging to test the old adage “slow as molasses…” Often defeats itself by stating the same programs are offered through “proper” software channels (such as USC, below, or Synaptic). Old programs may come with dependencies no longer necessary.
Ubuntu Software Center/Centre (USC) Now standard in Ubuntu, USC replaces Synaptic as a manager, and GDebi as a package handler. Much like Synaptic, it offers roughly 35,000 packages, but this figure increases as users add sources (and can decrease if you trim the fat). Some variants delete it for Synaptic, but it can be added, oddly enough, via Synaptic. Once called AppCenter. 12.04 version has an area just for periodicals , including Full Circle Magazine.
Good: Allows users to peruse the program catalog while downloading others — unlike Synaptic, which freezes out additional activity during that phase. Better descriptions than what Synaptic offers, and, since everything is geared to Ubuntu, you don't have to worry about compiling, unpacking, etc.
Bad: Commercial and free offerings are side-by-side, so watch what you click. Loads of dependencies without regard to usefulness, and offers no way of deleting them. If the program source is slow, it can jam the works and the cancel button doesn't always respond. If you don't have USC, be careful of the version you install, since so many are offered.
Ubuntu Tweak Tweak is an add-on for Ubuntu—with some like UE and Super OS providing it as standard. Offers a handful of programs (maybe 30 to 40), but will also clean up junk files and dead kernels, add repositories, and can be used to tweak desktop settings, at least in Gnome. Go to ubuntu-tweak.com for information. Although primarily a Gnome manager, it'll work just fine on KDE and other shells, albeit with reduced functions. Available from the getdeb repository as ubuntu-tweak.
Good: Pretty much does it all, and seems to excel in everything. Probably the best of the group, and undoubtedly one of the safest avenues for removing unnecessary files and installation leftovers (better than BleachBit or Computer Janitor).
Bad: Miniscule program listing. Get the proper version for your OS (the main one at the website is for 11.x and above, and loading it on earlier versions may cause problems). Reduced functions in other than Gnome, and now that Canonical is canceling that for Unity, what'll happen to Tweak? Before adding PPA sources, make sure you read the descriptions since some are unstable or in beta.