Have you ever found yourself needing to copy the exact same programs from one computer to another? Or maybe you just wanted to keep the exact same programs when you do a fresh install?

I found myself needing to do this, twice, in the last month.

The Synaptic Package Manager allows you to do this quite easily:

First, open Synaptic Package Manager (it’s under System->Administration)

Make sure that ALL is highlighted on the left side.

Now click File (top left) and go down to Save Markings As.

Save this document somewhere you will have easy access to it. Don’t save it on your Desktop and then do a fresh install. All those files will be deleted (unless you also save your home directory).

To have your other computer install all these programs make sure to place the file you just created somewhere that the new computer (or new installation) can get access to it.

Now open Synaptic Package Manager and go to File-> Read Markings

Navigate to the file you created and click OK.

You will have to click Apply to start downloading all those programs.

Your programs will now start downloading. Remember that this will work whether you are reinstalling a computer or whether you want multiple computers to have the same programs.

Make sure that the same repositories are enabled for both computers. If you are installing on an upgraded system, and thus new repositories, most of your programs will install. If they required you to add other repositories on the old computer, these programs will simply not download.

If the Package Manager complains about ‘Broken Packages’, click on the ‘Broken’ tab on the left (in the list with All) and then click ‘fix broken packages’.