I recently acquired a used laptop that runs Ubuntu Linux for a convention I'm attending soon. The previous owner wiped all their personal data, and I was given the password. I'm completely new to Linux and don't have experience with it, only Windows and Mac. I have a few questions: 1) Do I need to download installation files from the internet? 2) Once downloaded, how do I install those files? 3) I downloaded an update for Firefox and it's a tar.xz file; what's my next step with that? 4) Lastly, how do I completely uninstall an application? I specifically want to remove Thunderbird Mail from my device.
5 Answers
You can install apps using a terminal command, but it’s not necessary—stick with the Software Center for now. If you do choose to use the terminal, the command `sudo apt install [app-name]` is your friend. Just remember to check how apps were installed if you want to uninstall them properly!
For uninstalling apps, you can simply go back to the Software Center, find the app you want to remove (like Thunderbird), and hit 'uninstall.' Alternatively, if you're comfortable with the terminal, you can type `sudo apt remove thunderbird` to remove it directly. That command can also help you update your system by using `sudo apt upgrade`. It's nice and simple once you get the hang of it!
You don't need to download apps manually like you might on Windows. Ubuntu has a built-in app store called the 'Software Center' where you can search for and install applications easily. Just look for the Software Center in your applications and you can handle everything from there, including updates and uninstalls.
For installing software, just click the top-left corner of the screen and search for 'Software Center' or 'Add Software.' This will open Ubuntu’s package manager, letting you browse a huge collection of free software. You mentioned having a tar.xz file for Firefox; you can delete that, as Firefox should auto-update via the Software Center anyway.
If you want a deeper understanding of Linux, I recommend checking out the Ubuntu Desktop Guide online. It’s a great resource for getting familiar with Ubuntu's features and capabilities, as well as how to manage apps effectively.
That's right! The Software Center does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. And don't worry if you’re new—it gets easier with practice!