Ceci est une ancienne révision du document !
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 Some links are dead or outdated, and be wary of the junk file removal system (it once attempted to remove an active kernel from my system).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.
Alioth.Debian.org Un site web qui sert de parking pour les programmes de développement de Debian, Windows et Mac. Souvent il y a une liste de 10 à 20 projets disponibles au téléchargement avec beaucoup de bêta ou de version définitive.
Bon point : Ici, vous trouverez peut-être des projets inhabituels qui, un jour ou l'autre, peuvent être publiés comme programme ordinaire.
Mauvais points : La vitesse du site se mesure en minutes et la navigation se fait en grande partie au hasard. Certains projets ne sont sas doute pas prêts pour une vraie sortie et il faut, donc, en télécharger avec beaucoup de prudence.
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.
Apt-get Protocole en ligne de commande pour la récupération de programmes sur internet. Nécessite rien de plus qu'un terminal et la capacité de taper « sudo apt- get install » plus le nom d'un programme. Étant donné que toutes les variétés d'Ubuntu sont équipées d'un terminal, on pourrait affirmé que apt-get fait partie de l'équipement standard.
Bon points : Ne nécessite qu'un terminal et un clavier. Peut aussi être utilisé pour enlever des programmes qu'on ne veut pas garder, mais voyez la note ci-dessous au sujet des noms exactes. Pour ceux qui veulent des versions antérieures à la place des versions actuelles, on peut modifier les commandes apt-get en conséquence.
Mauvais points : Rajoute une myriade de dépendances, donc la plupart sont inutiles. Pour éviter ceci, vous devez savoir comment utiliser la commande « sudo apt-get install -no-install-recommends », dont l'existence même n'est pas connue par la plupart des utilisateurs. Nécessite le nom exact du programme - et cela peut ne pas être ce que vous pensez. Moins efficace comme méthode de désinstallation de programmes (laisse souvent des fichiers isolés et des dépendances), et les utilisateurs doivent connaître la différence entre « purge » et « remove » des fichiers. [Ndt : malheureusement, les deux termes peuvent se traduire en français par «supprimer » !]
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).
Aptitude Package Manager
Interface graphique pour apt-get, Aptitude va plus loin en permettant les utilisateurs de rechercher sans devoir passer les dépôts au peigne fin ni connaître le titre exact des programmes. Peu de gens savent qu'il existe, parce que c'est caché dans le menu Système dans la sous catégorie Administration si toutefois il es présent. Sinon, vous pouvez le trouver dans les dépôts Ubuntu.
Bons points : permet une recherche de programme, pilote et codec avec seulement une bribe de nom. En outre il nettoie complètement des programmes installés si l'un d'entre eux refuse de désinstaller comme il faut (contrairement à d'autre gestionnaires qui peuvent laisser des traces de fichiers). Pour ceux d'entre vous qui pensent qu'il vous semble familier, Synaptic, la Logithèque et Adept ont tous des interfaces similaires et empruntent pas mal de choses auprès d'Aptiture.
Mauvais points : si l'une quelconque des sources dans le dépôt répond lentement, cela peut ralentir Aptitude (il faut vraiment beaucoup de temps pour continuer son chemin si une source ne répond pas). Cacnonical ne l'inclut pas dans leur Logithèque (naturellement).
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).
BodhiLinux.Com Site web principal de Bodhi Linux basé sur Ubuntu. En fait, vous ne pouvez pas télécharger des programmes précis sans faire quelques trucs bizarres, mais les listes de programmes, d'alternatifs, et les descriptions des deux, fournis ici sont excellents. Plus de 2 Go de programmes et paquets listés et certains des narratifs sont plus approfondis que ce que les développeurs donnent.
Bons points : listes exhaustive de paquets et de programmes individuels ainsi que des alternatifs. Les descriptions sont concises et il y a toujours pas mal de gens sur les forums si vous avez davantage de questions. Contrairement à d'autres sites de système d'exploitation qui fournissent des listes, mais pas de téléchargements, celui-ci propose tous les services.
Mauvais points : à moins d'utiliser Bodhi, télécharger à partir du site web n'est pas possible - il faut ajouter le dépôt (deb http://packages.bodhilinux.com/bodhi/) dans un autre gestionnaire de paquets pour cela. À cause de l'extension .bod, même les utilisateurs de Bodhi doivent passer par les navigateurs Firefox ou Midori (rien d'autre ne fait l'affaire).
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.
Dedoimedo.com Consacré à la communication d'informations sur Linux, ainsi que des propositions de programmes, ce site traite toute la gamme Linux de façon égale et il est possible d'y trouver des tutoriels concernant Suse, Debian et Puppy Linux tout comme Ubuntu et ses variétés. Vous le trouverez ici : http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/new-cool-list-linux.html.
Bon point : fournit des tutoriels approfondis sur l'installation de presque tous les systèmes Linux tout en ajoutant quelques programmes au mélange.
Mauvais points : méli-mélo quasi incompréhensible de l'ancien et du récent. Vous verrez un article sur la version la plus récente d'Ubuntu, mais si vous allez aux tutoriels, vous lirez « Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala sortira bientôt », ce qui veut dire que cette partie-là est périmée depuis environ trois ans (pour ne pas mentionner son offre de Firefox 3.1 qui date de 2008). Trouver des programmes peut être difficile et vérifiez bien que ce que vous choisissez est la version actuelle.
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.
DVD Puisque Canonical ne propose pas sa bibliothèque de programmes au téléchargement (du moins, pas en tant qu'unité entière), vous pouvez en acheter un exemplaire sur des sites comme EBay, ElectroDisc, OSDisc ou LinuxCD.org.
Bon point : pas besoin de vous occupez d'une connexion internet ici, mon pote. Génial pour ceux sans service internet fiable.
Mauvais points : il faut payer jusqu'à 30 $ (environ 24€) pour ces logiciels « gratuits » et la collection moyenne semble faire de 8 à 12 DVD, ce qui fait que vous aurez besoin de mettre et remettre les DVD dans votre lecteur fréquemment pour accéder au contenu. Selon la radicalité de la prochaine mise à niveau d'Ubuntu, ces bibliothèques pourraient être périmées dans seulement six mois. S'il s'agit de la bibliothèque standard d'Ubuntu, vous l'avez déjà dans Synaptic ou la Logithèque.
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?
Eve Installer Peu connu, ce gestionnaire/installeur est assez difficile à trouver, bien qu'il soit possible de le télécharger sur http://apticon.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/eve-installer-0-9-3-51-3/ (assurez-vous de choisir la version qui vous convienne - on le propose à la fois en anglais et en espagnole).
Bons points : Propose des dépôts et des sources PPA ainsi que quelques programmes. Ceux-ci sont limités, mais la liste contient quand même plus qu'Ubuntu Tweak et similaire. Ressemble à une combinaison d'Ubuntu Tweak et Ailurus et une telle hybride n'est pas mauvaise.
Mauvais points : En fait, c'est une interface qui vous permet de lancer des commandes apt-get dans un terminal automatiquement, ce qui veut dire qu'il ne vous suffit pas de cliquer, puis de l'oublier (il faut rester assis au cas où des questions auxquelles il faut répondre surgissent. Axé actuellement sur Ubuntu 11.x et Mint 12 ; si vous utilisez d'autres versions - plus récentes ou plus anciennes - vous devrez faire attention. Le développeur est inconnu, alors la question de sa longévité peut se poser…
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.
GDebi Interface graphique pour l'installation de fichiers deb provenant de sites web ou de sources en dehors des dépôts. Abandonné par Ubuntu après la 10.04, vous pouvez l'ajouter via Synaptic ou la Logithèque ou au moyen de https://launchpad.net/gdebi. Très bien si vous avez l'habitude de récupérer des paquets deb en ligne, car GDebi ne liste pas les programmes, mais il propose un moyen de les installer sans devoir utiliser la Logithèque Ubuntu qui est davantage hypertrophiée.
Bon point : Installe des programmes plus rapidement que la Logithèque qui l'a remplacé, bien que la différence se réduise au fur et à mesure que Canonical met la Logithèque à jour.
Mauvais points : A des tendances sadiques de lister les dépendance et puis de refuser de les installer jusqu'à ce qu'une autre encore est trouvé (bien que, de temps en temps il veille bien les installer). En grande partie ignoré par la Logithèque. Installe des programmes, mais ne fait pas grand' chose de plus.
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.