Add / Remove Software

[Rob Roye]

I just installed my first Kubuntu system and love it, other than the total inability to use the Add/Remove Programs app. Unless something is already installed, it is greyed out and not usable. I want to install Firefox and a few others like GNUCash, but am having zero luck. I am not a total new guy to Linux, but am new to the Ubuntu family. I was using Fedora before and wanted something more friendly.

Any help would be great to get this working and letting me add software to the system.

[Fintan]

Re: Add / Remove Software

Use adept manager or (better yet) install synaptic:

sudo apt-get install synaptic

give your password.

More on synaptic:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto

Welcome to the party

[dewclaw82]

Re: Add / Remove Software

Rob, I've also had some problems with the add/remove programs -- I can't get programs to stay selected. Once I've selected a program, it will show a partially grayed-out name and then, as soon as I scroll away, the "X" in the box disappears. I've just gone back to regular Adept and am learning how to use the tags. Also, don't be afraid of the Konsole. If you know you want Firefox, just 'sudo apt-get install firefox' will select all the dependencies you need and just install it. I also tried Synaptic (which now is included in the Gutsy installation) when I first started using Kubuntu but I didn't find it any easier than Adept.

Anyway you choose to go, it will be easier than making that trip down to the store to BUY a new program.

[Rob Roye]

Re: Add / Remove Software

Thanks, I'll get on that and get some software.

[Rob Roye]

Re: Add / Remove Software

Here is what I get when I type sudo apt-get install synaptic:

Package synaptic is not available, but is referred to by another package.
This may mean that the package is missing, has been obsoleted, or
is only available from another source
E: Package synaptic has no installation candidate

Any ideas why?

Addition: It gives the same error regardless of what package I try. I tried to get Firefox that way ad it gave the same error.

[Snowhog]

Re: Add / Remove Software

For Gutsy Installations:

Open Adept Manager (K Menu | System | Adept Manger) and click on Adept | Manage Repositories. On the first tab, check all items (you don't need the last item checked unless you intend to download source files for compiling). On the Third-Party Software tab uncheck/delete the cdrom repository entry. Close the window. If Adept doesn't automatically fetch updates, click on Fetch Updates. You will now have access to the thousands of available packages. If you still have problems, open a console and type:

sudo dpkg --configure -a

[Troberg]

Re: Add / Remove Software

Make sure you are connected to the Internet. I have not tried it, but I would guess that not being connected could have that effect.

[Rob Roye]

Re: Add / Remove Software

Thanks, Snowhog, that worked great. Now I get to teach my cousin how to use Linux and get his laptop going with Kubuntu. I tihnk he'll like it, and now that we can add software easily, it shouldn't preset any problems for usefulness.

Troberg, it was online via wireless connection to my Apple Airport Extreme, but thanks for the suggestion.

[Snowhog]

Re: Add / Remove Software

Glad to have been able to assist.