Beyond the Ubuntu App Store: 5 Hidden Ways to Install Software

Many users transitioning from Windows to Ubuntu find the software installation process unfamiliar. While Ubuntu ships with the App Center, there are several other methods that can be faster, more flexible, or better suited to specific needs.

Method 1: APT Command Line – The Classic, Stable Way

APT (Advanced Package Tool) is Ubuntu's default package manager, pulling software from official repositories.

Advantages : fully vetted, fast, automatically resolves dependencies.

Disadvantages : repository versions may lag behind the latest releases.

Common three‑step workflow:

Refresh the package list: sudo apt update Install a package: sudo apt install <em>package-name</em> Remove a package:

sudo apt remove <em>package-name</em>

Tip: If you don't know the exact package name, use apt search <em>keyword</em> to search.

Method 2: DEB Packages – Linux’s Equivalent of ".exe"

Some commercial software (e.g., Google Chrome, VS Code, Baidu Cloud, WPS Office) is not in the official repositories and must be downloaded as a .deb file from the vendor’s website.

Installation options:

Double‑click the downloaded .deb file; the App Center will open and you can click “Install”.

Use the terminal (more reliable):

# Assuming you are in the Downloads directory
cd ~/Downloads
sudo dpkg -i <em>filename.deb</em>

Common pitfall: If dependency errors appear, run sudo apt install -f to let the system automatically fetch missing libraries.

Method 3: Snap – Canonical’s Official “All‑in‑One” Packages

Snap packages bundle an application with all its required libraries, ensuring they run on any supported system.

Pros : works out‑of‑the‑box, automatic background updates, sandboxed for safety.

Cons : first launch can be slower due to mounting.

Install a Snap package with a single command: sudo snap install <em>package-name</em> For example, the latest versions of Spotify or PyCharm are often available as snaps.

Method 4: Flatpak – Community‑Favored “Hot” Packages

Flatpak is similar to Snap in that it bundles dependencies and runs in a sandbox, but it works across all Linux distributions via the Flathub repository, which is large and frequently updated.

Typical workflow:

Install the Flatpak runtime: sudo apt install flatpak Add the Flathub repository (the biggest app store for Flatpak):

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install an application, either via the website or the command line:

flatpak install flathub <em>package-name</em>

Method 5: AppImage – Truly “Portable” Software

An AppImage file is a self‑contained executable; no installation is required.

Usage steps:

Download the .AppImage file.

Make it executable (right‑click → Properties → Allow execution) or via terminal: chmod +x <em>filename.AppImage</em> Run it by double‑clicking.

When you no longer need the program, simply delete the file; no residue remains.

Ideal for trying beta versions, keeping multiple versions side‑by‑side, or using software temporarily without affecting the system.

Choosing the Right Method – A Simple Decision Flow

First choice: APT ( apt install) for system tools, development environments, and when stability is paramount.

Second choice: Snap or Flatpak when the APT version is outdated or you need the latest desktop applications (e.g., WeChat, NetEase Cloud Music, OBS).

Third choice: DEB when the software is only offered as a .deb file on the vendor’s website (e.g., Chrome, VS Code).

Fallback: AppImage for one‑off usage or when other methods fail.

Mastering these five approaches ensures you can install any Ubuntu software without frustration.