[SOLVED] apt-get can't find anything

[sas3]

Hi
I am new to Kubuntu (was using Ubuntu). I just completed a fresh install of kubuntu 9.10 on my Dell Inspiron 1525.

I wanted to install some of my usual packages. But apt-get says it can't find any packages.
e.g.,
When I try "sudo apt-get install wvdial" I get "E: Couldn't find package wvdial"
This happens for every package I try.

Some notes -- could be related symptoms:
1. Konquerer is able to access internet
2. I don't use a proxy. I connect through a home wireless network (which, thankfully works -- after the usual Broadcom hybrid wireless driver install).
3. KPackageKit doesn't show any uninstalled packages; so can't install from there.
4. No other package manager is available in the menus.
5. I keep seeing Konquerer notifications about plugins recommended for installation; but when I select them, it says they "...are already installed". But after a while, the recommendations are back! So obviously they are not already installed.
6. I tried installing firefox with the kubuntu-firefox-installer, I get the same error "Requested packages are already installed". The Konsole shows an error "no such package firefox".
7. I don't see any /etc/apt/apt.conf file. In the /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/ directory, I see a bunch of files, but none of them have any setting related to "Acquire::". If necessary, I will post the contents.

I tried searching through these very voluminous forums for several hours, but didn't find anything even to try. I would appreciate any help.

[Ole Juul]

Re: apt-get can't find anything

Have you tried

sudo apt-get update

?

[sas3]

Re: apt-get can't find anything

Hmm.. I thought I already tried it once... but it seems I hadn't.
After I tried
sudo apt-get update
it rebuilt the whole lists.
After that, apt-get install seems to work.
I will check the other symptoms (KPackageKit, firefox install, etc.), and if any of those remain as problems, I will open a new post.
This threat can be marked as close.
Thanks Ole Juul