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204 Comments
- ileftfark, on 01/19/2009, -0/+85I strongly dislike articles like this. They seem like they would be helpful, but they do not explain why you are issuing commands, and to make matters worse, there are syntax errors in the instructions. A true noob would be severely confused following this...
There is no explanation of what chmod'ing does, why we are adding parameters to commands, why there are inconsistencies within the same commands listed in the article ('cd desktop' will get you nowhere), and why this author thinks only .sh installers will be found in a tarball.
I've written a few tutorials and help out on IRC when I'm bored at work, but if you're going to tell someone how to do something in Linux, you should also explain to them what they are actually doing. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to help out some kid who just installed Ubuntu, and nearly hosed his system by copying and pasting commands. "Why did you type that into the terminal?" "Because someone on the forums said to" "Do you know what you just did?" "No" *headdesk* - mithrasinvictus, on 01/19/2009, -5/+55Almost everything you want is available from the package manager. You can add additional software sources for the managers.
These instructions make installing software look hard, but in reality you will rarely need them. - inactive, on 01/19/2009, -8/+44Dugg for useful.
- inactive, on 01/19/2009, -0/+28Title should be a beginners guide on how to install software on Ubuntu
- insanebrain, on 01/19/2009, -1/+29Install a .deb file. Double click it.
Install a .rpm file. Double click it.
install a bin or tar.gz file. Don't. Ask your package manager for a DECENT install.
Linux isn't hard to use... some linux users are hard to understand. - sidizzle, on 01/19/2009, -0/+20I couldn't agree more with you. When I first started learning Linux I couldn't stand finding "tutorials" that just said to copy and past this into terminal. I want to know why I was using a certain parameter and such. Articles like this one teach you nothing really, just get it installed.
- censormagnet, on 01/19/2009, -4/+21step 1 point
step 2 click - Phate8263, on 01/19/2009, -1/+18People are scared of the terminal. Maybe instead of chmod +x filename.bin, he should have suggested - Right-click on the file on your desktop. Select the permissions tab, check the box next to execute. Close, and then double-click on the file.
Same for tar.gz, what not just Right-click and hit extract here. Then click the folder, find the sh installer(if there is one) and change its permission to execute. - ileftfark, on 01/19/2009, -0/+14You can start with my IRC logs, where I both give and receive tech support.
http://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Airclogs.ubun ...
You're welcome. - UselessTrivia, on 01/19/2009, -1/+15Winner.
If it takes more than that, the average user shouldn't be attempting it. - SQLserver, on 01/19/2009, -2/+16To the "LOLZ LINUX IS SO HARDZ@!!!!" people:
Installing 99% of software is MUCH easier on Linux then on windows, as it is available in the package manager. - Scotty87, on 01/19/2009, -3/+15This guy is an idiot. Buried for inaccuracy " Linux guru "
- SeamoreB, on 01/19/2009, -6/+18It's good for noobs to learn how to do this, though, if they're going to use Linux. Sometimes you just have to install from the Terminal.
- smellyavocado, on 01/19/2009, -2/+12I hate how Ubuntu has now become synonymous with Linux.
I was expecting it to be a general guide, not an Ubuntu one. - Benno, on 01/19/2009, -1/+10Installing apps on linux is really hard for windows users that can't get their head around clicking on a "deb" or "rpm" rather than an "exe". Surely synaptic is also beyond the grasp of the "average" computer user. The average user can't do anything more complex than searching for music on ITMS and buying it. ITMS, unlike synaptic, is intuitive and easy.
Seriously, modern linux distros are not harder to use. People only think windows is easier because they're used to it. I rarely use windows now and when I do I find a lot of tasks very difficult because I'm not used to it - Rememberthe0511, on 01/19/2009, -1/+10Looks like you'll have to drop out of college after two months of drinking.
- avianeddy, on 02/17/2009, -0/+7"OUCH" said noen
- nthitz, on 01/19/2009, -4/+11I still cannot install Microsoft Word!
- pathouston22, on 01/19/2009, -0/+7I last tried Linux about 3-4 years ago, and the necessity to look up articles like this turned me off big time. It was a freaking joke back then. And I guess if they are still making these articles, it still is.
- gavintlgold, on 01/19/2009, -0/+7This should have a larger section on Add/Remove and Synaptic. The part where they talk about it is very small and easy to skip over.
It's not a good idea to get a deb or source file if you can find the program in the repos--it won't get updated automatically and sometimes can break upgrades. - FuzzplugJones, on 01/19/2009, -7/+14Dugg. Nobody seems to understand this. This is my #1 beef, far and away, with Linux. YES YOU CAN do ANYTHING with Linux, if you want to manually follow 800 steps in a 49 page HOWTO document.
Linux is supposed to be this bitchin' thing where you can do anything... so howcome HOWTO authors can't put together a ***** bash script to do these 800 things for us?
And yes, Lintards will say "Why don't you write that bash script yourself?" Well why don't I write a ***** KERNEL every time I want to do something with my computer?
Linux will continue to be a hobbyist desktop and hardcore server platform because features that would be common sense for any other platform (a unified application install scheme, for example) go against its very core philosophy.
Grandma isn't going to be following an 800-step HOWTO especially when she sees Justin Long making fun of the PC guy during every Wheel of Fortune commercial break. - coldkill3r, on 01/19/2009, -0/+7You can go to the terminal and type help, and use the man command to look at a command's manual.
- waspbr, on 01/19/2009, -0/+7to be fair the article was just showing how to deal with different file types. Often most applications people use are on the repositories (accessible through Add/remove menu or synaptic). Due to the popularity of ubuntu and debian more and more .deb files are becoming available (as posted in the article a simple double click will do the job) and the number has been increasing. Popular software like skype and vlc have deb packages. In addition to this there are useful sites like getdeb.net that make and post deb files of various software.
Linux can be very complicated if you want it to be, and very simple if you want it to be.
moms and dads don't go around installing operating systems, usually the operating system is already set up for them, and most of the time they will stick with the default software. From experience I doubt most mac(It's rare but it does happen) or windows users would know how to install their Os, they usually rely on a techy family member or pad technical support.
Once properly installed and set up linux is very easy to use and most importantly to maintain, since the unstable updates are turned off by default.
Again linux can be very complicated if you need it to be and very easy if you need it to be and it is getting more and more GUI oriented with each release.*
*disclaimer - this rule may not apply to college students and may force you to drop out of college - trevorh, on 01/19/2009, -0/+7I agree that doing this is rarely needed but it is a nicely done tutorial for the times that you do need it.
- Raptor007, on 01/19/2009, -1/+8The fact that we need guides like this is exactly why Linux isn't ready for most people's homes.
- javaroast, on 01/19/2009, -0/+6In trying to come up with reasons not to use Linux you miss the real gem of the Linux experience. This article is all about the exceptions of software installations the 1% that most users like your sales people will never see. But what you miss in your rhetoric filled response is that for 99% of the day to day software installations the Linux package management system is easier and far superior to anything else out there. It's so good, that I am very surprised that Microsoft hasn't duplicated the repository and updated experience.
If I looked at an article about creating MSI files on a windows system for implementation for GPO installs, I might jump to the conclusion that Windows software installations were overly complicated and highly technical. I would be wrong simply because I was uniformed and so too your comment only highlights the fact that you are uninformed about linux software installs. - ssmithy, on 01/19/2009, -3/+9Step 1: RTFM
- Rememberthe0511, on 01/19/2009, -2/+8Step one, go to applications, find add and remove, tell it what program you want added and hit apply. Done.
If program can not be found useing method #1, try method #2.
Method #2, go to system, then admin, then synaptic, search for what you want and hit apply. Done.
Almost everything can be done this way. The Terminal should only be used by computer nerds that want to get their hands dirty. Although some times it s easier to copy and paste one line of code and feels pretty cool. - vizeroth, on 01/19/2009, -0/+6and for the most part the same instructions (except tailored to the exact application) are going to be available on the site from which you're downloading the application.
For the most part, someone new to linux is best-off dealing with their package manager almost exclusively, unless something on the system is really screwed up (and then they might be better served installing a different version/distro). - crilen007, on 01/19/2009, -10/+16Shouldn't this be easier... windows doesn't need a guide.
- theonlywizdum, on 01/19/2009, -0/+6Google is your friend, for all operating systems.
- muszek, on 01/19/2009, -0/+5Tip for beginners: don't. Or at least try not to.
Why? Not because you might fsck something up (there is a change, but it's not very likely), but because it distorts the way you use Linux. Your app or something that does that job is most likely
I remember when I switched from Windows 4 years ago, I'd keep what I've been doing on Windows - looking for software on the web, hunting newest versions, etc. It took me like half a year to realize how truly wonderful package management is. I don't need the bleeding edge, I don't always need exactly app X. Y does the job just fine. Having 99% of my apps update almost automatically even on system upgrade outweights these losses.
Having apps installed/removed outside of package managers sucks... let's not encourage new users to use this way. - firext0l, on 01/19/2009, -3/+8Eh? You haven't met many Windows users that have no business being on a computer but are anyway.
- yenster, on 01/20/2009, -0/+5As a business owner, let me point out that the $5,000 per desktop my business has saved by ditching Windows and most (but not completely all) proprietary software has allowed me to invest in more human resources, infrastructure and tools for my salespeople. And by doing so, I now have more resources to bring to bear than your company does and I'm now taking away your clients. Just as I did last year when I put two of our fellow Windows-based competitors out of business.
So, my friend, you can be standing in the unemployment line complaining about how Linux is too hard to use. For me and my employees, it isn't. That doesn't say very much for the technical savvy and acumen of your company if all you can deal with is the same OS that every other third-rate business wields just as clumsily. Those of us who can bring more powerful weapons to bear will eat you alive. Ask the two Windows-based companies I out-competed last year. Oops, you can't...they're gone. - jamesmcm, on 01/19/2009, -1/+6Well yeah you have to learn the commands (if you want to do by CLI) - but they aren't hard and it's worthwhile.
- mercutioviz, on 01/19/2009, -0/+5Newbies definitely need articles like this, but some of the above comments are spot on: telling users what to do without telling them why, or without referring them to resources that can help them learn why, is probably a bad idea. I think the comparisons to installing software on Windows being easier/harder than installing on Linux boil down to one thing: package managers. Ubuntu is geared toward the general computer user, and not the power user, no? Those users need to be educated on using .deb files. Any program that does not come with an installer most likely falls outside the realm of "for general computer users," at which point we're not talking about basic software installation.
I'm involved with a project (www.freeswitch.org) that most definitely is not for the basic computer user and therefore we want everyone to use SVN to get the latest source and to use "make" to compile it fresh.
In any case, articles like this are okay for the target audience, but the typos and lack of reference information make this particular article less useful than it could be. - inactive, on 01/19/2009, -3/+7Explain how Linux is going ever beat Windows, when grandparents would have to do this and get a "hot to" just to install something?
- UnFriendlyFire, on 01/19/2009, -0/+4Thats just it, your know all of this, but there is no documentation telling an end user that the man command even exsists to begin with, also what do you type if you don't know what <command> to use?
- coldkill3r, on 01/19/2009, -3/+7Hmm, not bad. However, deb's and rpms can usually be found with the distro package manager. Every piece of software that I had ever wanted to use was in debian's repos.
- pilobilus, on 01/19/2009, -0/+4The article falls down hard, twice. First, it does not mention the package manager (Synaptic on the systems the article addresses), which is always the first and best choice for beginners - and usually for any user. Second, the description of how to "install from tar.gz", a.k.a. compile from source, is very inadequate and will fail in practice.
- theOster, on 01/19/2009, -0/+4"if it was exhaustively explained to absolute detail that people might just be like a deer looking into head lights." these people will probably never be installing Linux (at least not until the year of Linux).
if someone's using Linux for the first time, chances are they would benefit greatly from a simple "this switch does this" - they're prob savvy enough to realize whats going on with minimal explanation. - MacHarborGuy, on 01/19/2009, -1/+5you just shut out a huge majority of "beginners" who don't know what your talking about.
- mauriceh, on 01/19/2009, -1/+5This SHOULD be titled:
"A Beginner's Guide on How to Install UBUNTU Software "
Buried for inaccurate, ignorant, and fanboyz. - booyahbitch, on 01/19/2009, -2/+6Looks like someone needs a beginners guide to web site scalability....
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An sql error occurred while fetching this page. Please contact an administrator if this problem persists. - patm1987, on 01/19/2009, -1/+5The problem with that is that it's not universal. I could be using some weird file manager or windowing system (think e17 with the old YellowDog Linux for PS3). On top of that, many distro's have automated installers for .DEB and .RPM anyway, so you just have to double click to install and you wouldn't even need to set permissions to execute (just read iirc).
I also find just running .sh files to be very dangerous, normally the terminal is closed after it terminates (sometimes erasing any important messages), and others the default terminal emulator that opens it may not be fully compliant (not necessarily the same issue, but think the Synaptic package manager running an ncurses based installer).
Now if it was "A Beginner's Guide to Installing Software on a Debian Based System Running Gnome" or something similar, then you can get down to all the gui fuzziness. - plagiats, on 01/19/2009, -1/+5Click the damn link starting by "apt://". Enter your password. Click install.
(such links can be found in the wiki (documentation) and the forums) - xv1ncentx, on 01/19/2009, -0/+4Let's say the truth:
An user want to install something, so he use apt, but it's not in the repositories he have, so he search the web, there are various .rpm's, but he have a Debian based distro, so he keep searching and find a lot of debs, one for Debian 'etch', one for Ubuntu Feisty, another for Gutsy and another for Hardy, but there isn't for Intrepid (the user's distro version).... The user quit.
Another user wants a beta application and he search in the web for repositories, and he only find on for Intrepid... some people might quit, but he keep on searching and there are no binaries.
He see the source of the application he want to install, download the .tar.gz and install it, but the app is only for Intrepid for one reason: the libraries are not compatible whit lower versions... he tried to install the libs anyway, but there are a LOT of problems, incompatibilities that can't be fix, at least not easily, and he don't know what else to do.
That could happen whit stable apps too... Devs make not just a .deb and a .rpm, but a .deb for every distro version and the same whit .rpm's, and THE SAME whit repositories.
Users realize that if they don't upgrade the distro, then the software they want will not be available, so basically we have a lot of dependent stuff.
What's the matter whit you? Why you don't see the reality?
Maybe for you it's easy, but for most users it isn't... And if it doesn't work for regular users, then it doesn't work for Linux as a whole, cause ISVs don't trust in the platform.
Sometimes it seems that we live from favors... from Google, from friendly companies that make their games for Linux... Some might enlarge their users ground and make a lot of money, but most ISVs are not interested. - aplusbi, on 01/20/2009, -0/+4On a Debian-based system (like Ubuntu) you can upgrade all the software on your system to the latest version using one command:
sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude upgrade
You can also use a GUI to do the same thing. When was the last time you were able to update ALL of the software on Windows in one easy step? Even if you restrict the parameters to just updating the open source/free software on Windows, you still don't have that option.
Installing software on Linux is way easier than on Windows for about 99% of the software you will use. - waspbr, on 01/19/2009, -0/+4dual boot
- InorganicMatter, on 01/19/2009, -2/+6Let's get two things straight:
1) This is how to install UBUNTU software, not Linux software. Other distros, particularly non-Debian flavors, will be different.
2) This only covers how to unpack an RPM/DEB, which a retard with half his brain removed could do.
The article doesn't even address the true problem of installing software in Linux, which is compiling from source and tracing dependencies. You're screwed if the software you want isn't nicely packaged in a DEB, and even more screwed if the person who distributed it has a borked makefile. -
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