Use Synaptic for more advanced software management

Synaptic Package Manager is more powerful and can do some software management tasks which App Center can't. Synaptic's interface is more complicated and doesn't support newer App Center features like ratings and reviews and therefore isn't recommended for use by those new to Ubuntu.

Synaptic isn't installed by default, but you can install it from the Ubuntu package archive.

Install software with Synaptic

  1. Open Synaptic via the Activities search bar. You will need to enter your password in the Authenticate window.

  2. Click Search to search for an application, or click Sections and look through the categories to find one.

  3. Right-click the application that you want to install and select Mark for Installation.

  4. If you are asked to mark additional changes, click Mark.

  5. Select any other applications that you would like to install.

  6. Click Apply, and then click Apply in the window that appears. The applications that you chose will be downloaded and installed.

For more information about using Synaptic, consult the Synaptic How To.