Install the Programs You Need
Reading time: about 8 min
Now that you can navigate your new Ubuntu desktop, it is time for one of the most important tasks: installing the programs you need for your work. One of the biggest differences between Windows and Ubuntu is precisely how you install software. In Windows you are used to searching for programs on different websites and downloading installation files (.exe). In Ubuntu the process is much simpler, safer, and more centralized, just like an App Store for your computer.
In this lesson we leave the uncertainty with .exe files behind and learn the smooth "Ubuntu way."
What You Will Learn
After this lesson you will be able to:
- Understand the basic difference between program installation in Windows and Ubuntu.
- Use the software store "Ubuntu Software" to find, install, and uninstall programs.
- Identify free and powerful alternatives to common programs you used in Windows.
The Basics: A New, Safer Way to Think About Programs
Let's quickly compare the two ways to install programs:
The Windows method (what you are used to):
- You google for a program.
- You navigate to a website and hope it is the official one.
- You download a
.exefile. - You run the file and click through an installation guide, where you sometimes unknowingly agree to extra advertising programs. The risks: This method can expose you to viruses, spyware, and unnecessary toolbars in your web browser.
The Ubuntu method (the safe and simple one):
- You open a single program: Ubuntu Software (the software store).
- You search for what you need.
- You click "Install." The advantages: All software in Ubuntu Software comes from secure, reviewed sources (so-called "repositories"). It is free, guaranteed virus-free, and you manage all your programs and updates from one and the same place.
Practical Examples: How to Use Ubuntu Software
The software store is your new best friend. It usually has an icon that looks like an orange shopping bag.
1. Open Ubuntu Software
- Find the icon in your Dock (the favorites bar on the left) or search for "Ubuntu Software" in the Activities Overview (
Superkey).
2. Search for a program
- Click on the magnifying glass at the top left.
- Type the name of a program or a category, e.g. "image editing" or "VLC" (a popular media player).
3. Review and install
- Click on the program in the search results. You now get to see a page with a description, screenshots, and often also ratings and reviews from other users.
- Click on the green Install button.
- Security check: The system will now ask for your password. This is an important security feature that prevents unwanted programs from being installed without your permission. Enter your password and click "Authenticate."
- The installation begins. When it is complete, you can start the program directly from the software store or find it in your regular program list.
4. Uninstall a program
- If you want to remove a program, open Ubuntu Software, search for the program, and click on the red Uninstall button (looks like a trash can).
Implementation in the Classroom: Important Software for Schools
You will be surprised at how many high-quality and free programs are available. Here is a list of common needs and their equivalents in Ubuntu.
| Need in school | Common program in Windows (often with cost) | Free alternative in Ubuntu | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word processing, spreadsheet, presentation | Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) | LibreOffice (Writer, Calc, Impress) | Installed by default. Very compatible with MS Office formats. |
| Image editing (advanced) | Adobe Photoshop | GIMP | An extremely powerful tool that can measure up to Photoshop. |
| Simple graphics and drawing | MS Paint, Paint 3D | Pinta or Drawing | Perfect for simpler drawing and image editing tasks in the classroom. |
| Video editing | Adobe Premiere, Camtasia | Kdenlive or OpenShot | Both are powerful video editors with support for many tracks and effects. |
| Web browser | Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge | Firefox (default), Chromium | Chromium is the open source project that Google Chrome is built on. |
| Video meetings | Zoom, Microsoft Teams | Zoom & Teams (via web browser or Linux app) | Many services work excellently directly in the web browser. |
Exercise: Build Your Digital Toolbox
Now it is your turn. Open Ubuntu Software and test the following:
- Search for and install the media player VLC.
- Search for the image editing program GIMP. Read its description and reviews.
- Install a simpler drawing program like Pinta.
- Open LibreOffice Writer (which is already installed) and see if you recognize it. Try saving a test document in Word format (
.docx).
Next Steps
Excellent! You can now navigate Ubuntu and install the programs you need. But where do all the files you create and download end up? In the next lesson, Order and Organization: Managing Files and Folders, we dive into Ubuntu's file system so you can organize your digital school work in an efficient and structured way.