I am a newcomer to Ubuntu 12.04, and I've encountered some problems or confusion with using the OS, particularly with Ubuntu Software Center (which was one of the reasons I got Ubuntu Linux).
When I go into the Software Center I find it confusing as to how to download and install a program. For example, Audacity, doesn't not have an "Install" button, but a "Use This Source" from an apparent "universe" source (I don't know what this means). I click it, it shows in the "Progress" bar, and then disappears. I look into the "History" and it does not mention anything being installed. I go into the Search and it's not installed as an application (I don't even know where it is on my computer!). This happens for most Apps I want, including Chromium, etc.
I used to get a "Check your Internet Connection" message, but I have an internet connection (Moxilla Firefox runs, as does update manager) albeit a little slow.
Also, I don't have Adobe Flash and I have the same problem as above when trying to install it, and I read that it doesn't even work for Ubuntu 12.04.
I also want to install synaptic, but I can't install anything at all. Basically, to me, Ubuntu is useless without the Software Center.
Please help, and thanks for your time.
Troubled Linux User
(P.S. I am not very experienced as a programmer and understand Terminal that well, but I can copy and paste commands - I already tried sudo apt-get update )