Detailed explanation of the loss of Ubuntu software management functions

Most people agree that Ubuntu revolutionized dpkg package management through Ubuntu Software Center. There is no doubt that Software Center is user-friendly by most people's standards. But is this really the case? This article will introduce the current state of Ubuntu software management, how far it has come with the first release of Ubuntu, and where Ubuntu software leads the way.

Everything starts with apt

A pure form of Ubuntu software management uses the apt packaging tool, first built into the great but often underrated Linux distribution Debian. You can use apt to install, remove or update software on Ubuntu. To completely clear the software, you can use apt's command line access, but repairing the software may mess things up.

As for the graphical user interface GUI, Synaptic takes apt to another level. Synaptic provides Ubuntu users with an intuitive management software tool. Synaptic can also help when adding, removing and adjusting existing software libraries. Backing up software is easy with Synaptic's Save Markings As feature, which provides a portable text file that can be copied to a software listing on a new system.

Of course, there is a difficulty for novices who have used Synaptic, and that is the lack of identifiable software directories. Synaptic, while easy to use, is only suitable for Ubuntu users who know what kind of packages they want. It also lacks the ability to install deb packages separately.

Install deb package

When it comes to installing one-time software, binary packages like deb allow Ubuntu users to run a simple command from the distribution directory to install the software bundled in the package. For example, someone might use dpkg -i packagename.deb to install a package from the command line. This command will automatically install the software while using the Debian package management system to resolve any potential side issues.

Before Ubuntu Software Center, Ubuntu users could also run a program called GDebi to install deb packages and find out whether there were possible side problems before installing the application.

Of course today, the Ubuntu desktop is no longer installed through GDebi by default. Now, Ubuntu users conduct all software management through Ubuntu Software Center.

Ubuntu Software Center

Ubuntu is not the first version to introduce the concept of software stores among Linux desktop users. The most famous of these versions using software stores is Linspire and its Click-n-Run Warehouse (CNR). This is where things got interesting, as Canonical poached talent from Linspire to build what is now known as Ubuntu Software Center.

There is a difference between the classic CNR and the Ubuntu Software Center that provides software for various versions. CNR is more effective and easier to use. However, both are bloated.

Ubuntu Software Center is the most bloated application on the Ubuntu desktop. If your PC is running according to reasonable specifications, this won't be a big problem. If you have an older PC, you may find that Ubuntu Software Center is too bloated and slow when you first launch the program.

Despite these drawbacks, Ubuntu Software Center is still useful for new software exploration. Sometimes just browsing through different software categories can help you get information about the software before installing it. Likewise, the Ubuntu Software Center rating system is useful. Ratings for software can give you a reference before installing the software.

In general, Ubuntu Software Center is not used much on the desktop. The fault isn't there, it's just that it's faster to use apt through the terminal. Another effective way to discover new software is to check out the website apps.ubuntu.com. It finds the exact same interface as Ubuntu Software Center, but it uses AptUrl directly instead of the Software Center client itself. Additionally, you can choose your preferred browser. AptUrl can be used as an alternative software manager, and it is also easy to install software.

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