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I just installed 18.04 (Bionic Beaver). I noticed that when I search my applications for the word "Software", there are three different software-update-manager type things preinstalled (maybe they're not all exactly software update managers, but they all have "update software" in their description) - "Ubuntu Software", "Software & Updates", and "Software Updater":

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Isn't this a bit confusing and duplicative? What are the differences between the three applications, and is there any reason they aren't combined into just one or two applications?

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From left to right:

  • Software & Updates is a utility for managing repositories. You can change update mirrors, add/remove PPAs, etc. There is no way to install anything, other then a few graphics and wifi drivers.

  • Ubuntu Software is just a user friendly way for installing/uninstalling software.

  • Software Updater is for updates, and upgrades. You can't install programs or manage repositories.

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  • Thanks. However it looks like you can manage updates through Ubuntu Software. Therefore, it seems to me that logically Software & Updates should be folded into Software Updater (since it's basically just settings for Software Updater), which in turn should folded into Ubuntu Software.
    – tparker
    Aug 17, 2018 at 20:02
  • It used to be the case that modularity was considered important. Now, everything will "fold" into systemd in a few years, just wait and see. :~)
    – mikewhatever
    Aug 17, 2018 at 20:09

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