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’.

This post is the next in the series on the newest version of Ubuntu (Hardy Heron). Be sure to check out the most recent Linux Friday posts for other tips on the newest Ubuntu.

There are a few ways to install software in Ubuntu. The first being Add/Remove Applications. To open this window click Applications -> Add/Remove…

Here you can click and install software by category or by searching. As you can see you can sort the search results by the name of the application or popularity.

The second way to install software is using the Synaptic Package Manager. To open this window, click System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager. This has the same programs that are available in the Add/Remove Applications. The only difference is the package manager doesn’t have quite the same GUI that Add/Remove Applications does.

Be sure to enable all the standard repositories so you have more programs to choose from. To do this click Settings -> Repositories. Then under the “Ubuntu Software” tab, check all of the repos except for “Source code.” While you are here, go ahead and change the download server. Choose the server that is the closest to you or have it choose the fastest for you. This could significantly decrease your download time.

The next way to install software is via the Terminal. To access the terminal click Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal. Once the Terminal is open the command to install programs is ’sudo apt-get install’. So, type this command and then the name of the program or file you wish to install.

Of course this program must be in the repositories or you will get an error message and it will not install. To uninstall software via the terminal type ’sudo apt-get remove’ followed by the name of the package.

The last method to install software is by downloading a ‘.deb’ file. These are being more and more popular as Ubuntu continues to grow. To install the package simply double click on the file once you download it from the Internet. Then click the ‘Install’ button. You will probably be prompted for the admin password. When the installer finishes your program should be installed.

For more information check out these links:
How to install ANYTHING in Ubuntu! – EXCELLENT GUIDE!
Installing software in Ubuntu
Install and Uninstall software in Ubuntu
Updates and Upgrades and Installing Software