I'm new to Linux Mint and have mostly installed software through the web browser. People keep suggesting that I use the terminal instead. Could someone explain the basic commands for searching, installing, and updating software, and show me how to install Opera GX and Spotify?
3 Answers
Mint’s main package manager is APT. The usual commands are `sudo apt update` to refresh the package list, `sudo apt upgrade` to install available updates, `apt search package-name` to search, and `sudo apt install package-name` to install something from Mint’s repositories. `sudo` is the Linux equivalent of requesting administrator privileges; enter your own login password when prompted. You won’t see characters appear while typing it, which is normal.
That command needs `sudo`, so run `sudo dpkg --configure -a`, enter your login password, and let it finish. Afterward, run `sudo apt update` and try the installation again.
You can also install many Flatpaks through Mint’s Software Manager without using commands: open it from the applications menu, search for the program, choose the Flatpak version if available, and click Install. This is often the most beginner-friendly approach. Avoid downloading random installers from websites when the package manager or Flatpak already provides the application.
For apps that aren’t in the regular APT repositories, Flatpak is often the easiest option on Mint. You can use the Software Manager and enable Flatpak packages, or use the terminal. Search first with `flatpak search opera` or `flatpak search spotify`, then install the matching Flathub package. The exact package IDs may change, so checking the search results is safer than guessing.
I got an error saying that dpkg was interrupted and told me to run `dpkg --configure -a`. It also said I needed superuser privileges.