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Why not let us install programs the same way Apple do? One file and thats it and if one wants to uninstall, just delete the file/folder.

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How do you currently install applications for Ubuntu? Because software for Ubuntu comes bundled in one file typically a .deb – Marco Ceppi♦ Jul 22 '11 at 14:06
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@dajomu I think the way we install software in ubuntu is great, in the way that, because of it's "difficulty", it prevents some sort of mistaken and installation of malicious software. – Jorge Pinho Jul 22 '11 at 14:34
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@Alvar, what on earth is wrong with source files in tar.gz? – user606723 Jul 22 '11 at 14:35
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If anything, Apple is moving in the direction of Linux systems with its App Store for Mac. Pick your software from a central catalogue, and have updates for all your software handled by a single service. – James Henstridge Jul 22 '11 at 15:00
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This suggestion doesn't belong here. Suggestions should be posted on brainstorm.ubuntu.com and discussions can be had on the forums. – dv3500ea Jul 24 '11 at 11:10
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1 Answer

up vote 6 down vote

Ubuntu uses an installation system based off of Debian, which is to use .deb packages. These packages contain instructions for installing and removing software from the system.

This system is controlled via apt, apt-get, aptitude, or the Synaptic Package Manager GUI (a front-end for apt-get and dpkg). Installation is as simple as specifying what package(s) to install, and removal is similar.

There is also a Software center in Ubuntu. This software center is for the less-tech-savvy user, but has the same results as my aforementioned methods for managing packages. With the Software Center, too, you don't need to know all the package names, you only need to know the software's name, and it can usually find it (if its in the repositories).

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+1 : what @The Evil Phoenix is basically saying is that this is effectively the same as the way Apple does it. One file - point and click if you want. – Rory Alsop Jul 22 '11 at 14:56
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If you don't agree with an answer leave a comment and downvote - then right your own answer. – Marco Ceppi♦ Jul 22 '11 at 16:15

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