Your Linux distribution generally doesn’t have the license to redistribute this software, so you have to get it from the source.

This includes popular proprietary programs like Google Chrome, Skype, Steam, and Opera. Some programs aren’t located in your Linux distribution’s software repositories. RELATED: How to Install Software From Outside Ubuntu's Software Repositories The graphical interface and terminal command accomplish the same thing. For example, you can install packages from the terminal with the apt-get command on Ubuntu. The pretty graphical interface is just a front-end to the real package manager, which you can access in other ways. For example, on Linux Mint, you’d use the Software Manager application instead. You can search for a type of application like “video player” or a specific application name like “VLC.” Click the download button, enter your password, and the package manager will do the rest.Įach Linux distribution has its own software repositories and package manager, but practically all Linux distributions use a software repository system that works this way. Use this interface to search for packages and install them. On Ubuntu, the included package manager is the Ubuntu Software Center - look for the orange shopping bag icon on your dock.

How to install linux program