APT 4 Newbies
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12 years ago 41 |
- INTRO -
The Advanced Packaging Tool, or APT, is a free user interface that works with core libraries to handle the installation and removal of software on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution and its variants. APT simplifies the process of managing software on Unix-like computer systems by automating the retrieval, configuration and installation of software packages.
- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW -
- how to open a terminal;
- your root password;
- what is a repository;
- how to connect your computer to the internet.
sudo" command will be followed by a password request. Remember that when you type a password in terminal, you see nothing on screen.sudo apt-get myspecificcommand
apt myspecificcommand
- TO ADD A REPO -
ppa:tualatrix/ppa. To add it to your sources, open a terminal and write this string.sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:your-repo/ppa
- TO UPDATE SOFTWARE LIST -
sudo apt-get update
upgrade". Please be aware that the overall progress meter will be incorrect as the size of the package files cannot be known in advance.- TO UPGRADE ALL YOUR SOFTWARE -
sudo apt-get upgrade
upgrade is used to install the newest versions of all packages currently installed on the system from the sources enumerated in /etc/apt/sources.list. Packages currently installed with new versions available are retrieved and upgraded; under no circumstances are currently installed packages removed, or packages not already installed retrieved and installed. New versions of currently installed packages that cannot be upgraded without changing the install status of another package will be left at their current version. An update must be performed first so that apt-get knows that new versions of packages are available.- TO FIND THE REAL NAME OF A SOFTWARE -
apt-cache search mysoftware
- TO INSTALL A SOFTWARE -
sudo apt-get install mysoftware
sudo apt-get install mysoftware-1 mysoftware-2 mysoftware-3
- TO UNINSTALL A SOFTWARE -
Basic command is
sudo apt-get remove mysoftware
- TO PURGE A SOFTWARE -
sudo apt-get purge mysoftware
- SPRING CLEANING -
clean" clears out the local repository of retrieved package files. It removes everything but the lock file from /var/cache/apt/archives/ and /var/cache/apt/archives/partial/.autoclean" clears out the local repository of retrieved package files. The difference is that it only removes package files that can no longer be downloaded, and are largely useless. This allows a cache to be maintained over a long period without it growing out of control.autoremove" is used to remove packages that were automatically installed to satisfy dependencies for some package and that are no more needed.&&".sudo apt-get autoclean && sudo apt-get autoremove
- TO CALL A COW -
apt-get moo
- MAIN REFERENCE -
man apt-get
Comments
The tutorial does not explain how to remove a repository added with add-apt-repository. The --remove option mentioned on the man page for Ubuntu 14.04 (http://manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/trusty/man1/add-apt-repository.1.html) does not exist in the Mint version of the add-apt-repository command.
It seems the only way is to remove the corresponding file in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d directory:
sudo rm -i /etc/apt/sources.list.d/repository-name*
very nice
thanks great info..helps newbiesss...like me
Thx
As the capabilities of apt and its derivatives are overwhelming, it is essential to have a comprehensive list of the main use cases — and your tutorial excels at this job.
A little precision though: besides maybe LMDE, in Linux Mint the password you have to enter for sudo is your own, not the one for root.
very informative.
Clear, concise tutorial with steps and definitions clearly explained for learning or memory refresh. Both newbies and longtime linuxheads can appreciate.
Thank you!
aptitude moo
aptitude -v moo
aptitude -vvv moo
aptitude -vvvv moo
(sorry, couldn't resists) :D
simple but helpful!
Hope you don't mind, but I believe this is so useful that I've downloaded a copy for permanent reference. Thank you very much for sharing your expertise in an easy and understandable fashion. One day I also hope to share any knowledge acquired with others.
Thank you! These basic instructions were of great benefit to one who owns and operates several websites, but has no programming experience. Often these basic "how-to"s are overlooked by those who know terminal commands inside and out. Keeping in favorites!
Very good, clear and understandable (and nice format). Thank you.
Very easy to follow. Nicely done and thank you. :)
@ trollboy
I think there is no distro at all where you could install software without root password. It linux; not Win not Mac.
:-)
It does ask for a password on LMDE when you just use apt. Frankly I didn't want to move and I am relieved not to have to.
"Of course, for security reasons, system will still ask you the root password."
That's a good thing!
I wasn't sure if it would install:
a) To your home directory
b) System wide with a password
c) System wide with no password
I inferred c) from the comment lmade by @remoulder. I'm happy to be corrected.
@remoulder && @trollboy
I've add something about in "What you need to know" paragraph.
Thanks for help.
I'm going to have to try that tonight. If your right and I can install system wide software without sudo and by inference no password, then Mint will never get out of the sand-boxed environment I have it in; if LMDE does it, I'll be off to a distro that enforces good security practices.
In mint it is not necessary to use the -get version nor prefix it with sudo.