The Ubuntu Software Center gives you instant access to thousands of open-source and carefully selected free applications.
48
votes
11answers
6k views
Why can't I update applications without upgrading the whole OS?
In Ubuntu, once a release is out the software one has installed receives security updates only. In Windows, I can get new versions of programs with new features. How can Windows do this and why can't ...
45
votes
3answers
36k views
How do I deal with “unauthenticated sources” errors in the Software Center?
Any install that I'm trying through the Software Center is telling me:
Requires installation of untrusted packages: The action would require the installation of packages from not authenticated ...
30
votes
4answers
2k views
Are the programs in Ubuntu Software Center spy-ware free?
In Ubuntu Software center there are different sections for programs
Provided by Ubuntu
Canonical Partners
For purchase
I know all of these are open-source; but is there any validation process ...
28
votes
10answers
9k views
How do I install Skype?
I want to install Skype, but I can't locate it in Software Center or by using Synaptic Package Manager. Can anyone help me?
25
votes
4answers
4k views
How can I set the Software Center to install software for non-root users?
How can I set the Software Center to allow non-root users to install stuff from the Ubuntu repos without having to type in their password? I'm fully aware of the security implications, and am willing ...
25
votes
6answers
1k views
How do I install an application by DEB file for a single user only?
When installing applications via the software center or by a DEB file they will usually be installed system wide for all users.
Is there a way to install an application for a single user only?
24
votes
2answers
2k views
Should I install programs from a source tarball (`.tar.gz`), from the Ubuntu Software Centre, or from elsewhere?
There are several ways to install an application in Ubuntu:
You can download a source tarball (generally a .tar.gz or a .tar.bz2 file) and install it manually. (See How to install a .tar.gz (or ...
24
votes
6answers
2k views
Why the software center doesn't allow multiple downloads?
I was wondering why the software center doesn't download all the requested apps and install one by one as they finish to download.
Or instead why the software center doesn't download an app while the ...
24
votes
4answers
2k views
How to remove the “For Purchase” section from the Software Center?
The Software Center has a section of For Purchase programs —see screenshot below—,
which is annonying me every time I want to install something.
Is there any way to remove or hide these ...
23
votes
1answer
923 views
How can I browse the Ubuntu Software Centre online?
I'd like to access entire contents of the Ubuntu Software Center online. Is there anyway to browse the Software Center online?
22
votes
5answers
9k views
How do I enable the “partner” repository?
I keep seeing places refer to the "partner" repository as a place I can get software, how can I enable this repository? Please specify how to do this graphically and via command line.
22
votes
5answers
999 views
Is there an “unofficial” software center with all the PPAs?
Many questions are answered simply with add this repository and install.
I understand that Ubuntu developers cannot quickly verify all packages and make them available in official repositories. But ...
20
votes
3answers
1k views
What is the process for getting paid apps into the Ubuntu Software Center?
What is the process for getting paid apps into the Ubuntu Software Center?
19
votes
1answer
543 views
Why are some programs in the Ubuntu Software Center not open source?
I'm concerned about the amount of proprietary software that seems to be part of Ubuntu now. I've noticed quite a few apps that in the software center are listed as "Licence: proprietary".
Obviously ...
19
votes
1answer
220 views
Will the software center offer an option to donate?
Will the software center offer an option to donate to the developer/s of a particular application?
17
votes
2answers
208 views
How to comply with this guideline for submitting an application to the Software Center?
I was reading through the Ubuntu Developer Programme Agreement for submitting applications to the Software Center and stubled across the following clause:
3.1 You must first test Apps you submit ...
16
votes
2answers
186 views
Can I respond to comments in Software Center as app developer?
Is there anyway to respond to some comments privately on the Ubuntu software center? Some users of my app seem to be having problems but have not filed bug reports or asked questions on the launchpad ...
15
votes
1answer
2k views
How do I enable the “extras” repository?
I keep reading about an extras repository for Ubuntu with new software that comes out independently of the distro release. How do I enable it?
15
votes
2answers
320 views
How is tax handled for purchases from the Ubuntu Software Centre?
I've just created an account to submit an application to the Ubuntu Software Centre and the agreement says: "You are responsible for determining applicable taxes in connection with distributing your ...
14
votes
5answers
7k views
PDF to word conversion software?
Is there any free software available on Ubuntu that can convert a pdf file to a .doc file?
14
votes
2answers
242 views
Why do some commercial apps have a section called 'also requires' and free apps don't?
In the Ubuntu Software Center paid (commercial) applications get a section called 'Also requires' which is quite neat.
Why don't the free applications get this feature?
For example Amnesia: The Dark ...
13
votes
3answers
676 views
How do I install software using the Ubuntu Software Center?
The title says it all. I'd like to know how I can install software - an example is the Chromium web browser.
13
votes
1answer
477 views
Do I need to re-purchase software in the Ubuntu Software Centre if I reinstall?
I want to purchase the Fluendo DVD player using the Ubuntu Software Centre. If I reinstalled Ubuntu, would I have to purchase the software again?
13
votes
3answers
2k views
How to remove the big banner from Software Center?
In the new version of Ubuntu Software Center there is a big banner under toolbar. It's useless for me. How do I remove it?
13
votes
3answers
473 views
When will ratings and review for Ubuntu Software Center start?
I remember there were announcements, that Ubuntu Software Center should get a rating and review system. Don't know if these announcement were official, but I remember it was stated it could start ...
13
votes
1answer
351 views
Is there a way to limit the bandwidth that Software Center uses?
Whenever I am downloading packages using Ubuntu Software Center (or any package manager for that matter), my Internet connection slows to an absolute crawl. In fact, most requests timeout.
Is there a ...
13
votes
2answers
205 views
How can a free, proprietary application be submitted to the Software Center?
I'd like to suggest to the developers of simfy that their desktop application be submitted to the Software Center. How should they go about doing this?
13
votes
0answers
1k views
Uninstalling application built from source [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
If I build a package from source how can I uninstall or remove completely?
I know that Ubuntu has come a long way in helping new users to get used to their linux ...
13
votes
6answers
328 views
Multiple versions of the same app on Ubuntu Software Centre?
I already published my proprietary app on Ubuntu Software Centre (https://myapps.developer.ubuntu.com), and now I want to update it with the new version.
This time I wanted to upload multiple builds ...
12
votes
4answers
489 views
How do I find add-ons for packages when using the command line?
My question is a little bit different from others already asked, I guess. I've already searched for answers, but I didn't find anything related.
For example, I've always installed K3B via Terminal ...
12
votes
2answers
8k views
How do I enable the “backports” repository?
How to enable the backports repository so I can get newer versions of software?
12
votes
1answer
330 views
Is there any web API for Software Center available?
I wonder if there is an API available for using contents from the Ubuntu Software Center on my webpage. I know The Ubuntu Apps Directory website contains an almost complete database of applications ...
12
votes
1answer
236 views
Promoting an app in the Ubuntu Software Center through a ratings and reviews API
As an app author, I would like to promote my app in Ubuntu. One nice way to do it is to encourage users to submit their reviews and ratings to the Software Center.
It would be really cool if I could ...
11
votes
1answer
214 views
Show personalized banner exhibits on Ubuntu Software Center
How can I show my own personalized banner exhibits on Ubuntu Software Center?
I've seen some URL definitions on /usr/share/software-center/softwarecenter/enums.py and ...
10
votes
9answers
12k views
Dropbox install stuck at 99%, how do I fix it? (and any dpkg errors)
I tried to install Dropbox using How to install Dropbox?, or with apt-get install nautilus-dropbox.
Dropbox loads until 99% and then hangs, causing the system to go to 100% cpu usage.
If I reboot or ...
10
votes
1answer
255 views
Hidden parts of recently uninstalled software
When I uninstall some software and then reinstall it through Ubuntu Software Centre after a short period of time, the notification says that it is only being installed and not downloaded. However if ...
10
votes
2answers
394 views
How can I add screenshots of programs to the Software Center
Some programs in the Software Center lack screenshots. Is there a way to add them?
Idea: It would be nice if there was some sort of button Add Screenshot under the "no screenshot" area
10
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I install 'Revenge of the Titans'?
Revenge of the Titans is one of the games from the Humble Indie Bundle. I downloaded the i386 .deb file (I'm on a 32bit installation) and tried to install it using the Software Centre. However, when ...
10
votes
4answers
1k views
“Authentication service is not available” when installing IDLE (using python 2.7)
I am getting this error installing IDLE on 12.10:
Software can't be installed or removed because the authentication service is not available.
(org.freedesktop.PolicyKit.Error.Failed: ...
10
votes
1answer
210 views
Recommendations from Software Center are just odd (or for default and installed apps)
The automatic in-app recommendations I get in the Ubuntu Software Center are just plain odd. I have only installed one game (OpenTTD) and the rest of the applications that I have installed are purely ...
10
votes
1answer
391 views
How does Software Center determine what is a “technical item” and what isn't?
I'm a total newb to packaging, but I managed to get a PPA set up and working. But when I look for my software in Ubuntu Software Center, it will only show up after clicking "Show _ technical items". ...
10
votes
0answers
24k views
Installation Error, “Unable to lock the administration directory” [duplicate]
Whenever I try to install any software through Terminal or Software on my Ubuntu 11.04, I'm getting this response:
In Terminal:
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource ...
9
votes
3answers
21k views
How do I enable the “Universe” repository?
How do I get to Universe Repository of Ubuntu software as mentioned in Ubuntu 12.04 LTS?
I am installing 12.04 Ubuntu. Please help.
9
votes
4answers
19k views
Can I uninstall and reinstall Ubuntu Software Center?
Since migrating to a true install and upgrading to 12.04 I have had several problems that seem to relate to the Ubuntu Software Center. Hanging at applying changes and blank screen on screen lock only ...
9
votes
5answers
420 views
Why am I not able to buy applications?
I would have liked to buy some software, but the 'For Purchase' category in the Software Center remains desperately empty.
How do I activate the availability of such apps?
Is it possible that I am ...
9
votes
6answers
41k views
How to configure proxy authentication to work with Ubuntu Software Center?
I have tried put in apt config Acquire::http::proxy, and in Network>Network proxy with and without user:password@server:port and using environment variables http_proxy and https_proxy. Nothing seems ...
9
votes
1answer
101 views
How updates are handled for commercial applications?
I'm planning on publishing a commercial (paid) application to Software Center and I've seen that during the process of submiting the app I have to upload a .deb package. I'd like to know if there is ...
9
votes
2answers
438 views
Software Centre takes an age to load
I have a fast computer (great processor, good SSD) but Software Centre takes a good 30 seconds to load up. This isn't a whinge, I think there could be something wrong. Synaptic takes a second to load.
...
9
votes
1answer
159 views
Can I give an app that I purchased in the Software Center to somebody else ? (And related questions.)
I have purchased a lot of content in the Ubuntu Software Center (apps and magazines) and I also have purchased music in the Ubuntu One Music Store. I have a few related questions about the ...
9
votes
5answers
238 views
Is it possible to read/write software reviews in different languages?
Does anyone know if it possible to write/display a review in a different language than your own primary one in the Software Center?
