Installing and Updating Apps on Linux Mint: A Quick Guide

[nerdslife_team]

Linux Mint is a user-friendly Linux distribution celebrated for its speed, reliability, and flexibility. It works well even on older computers and provides several desktop environment options.

It features an extensive collection of open-source apps that are simple to install. Keeping your apps updated is also easy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install and update apps on Linux Mint.

Installing applications

There are a few ways to get software onto Linux Mint, including using the command line, getting packages directly from websites, or using the built-in package manager. I recommend using the Synaptic Package Manager because it automatically handles all the dependencies your apps need.

Method 1: Using the Synaptic Package Manager

The Synaptic Package Manager is a great way to find and install thousands of software packages. It takes care of all the necessary dependencies, making the process super easy.

1. On your Linux Mint desktop, click the ‘Menu’ button in the lower-left corner to open the applications menu.
   

   

2. Type Synaptic Package Manager into the search bar and select it from the results.
   

   

3. When asked, type your password in the authentication box and hit ‘Enter’ or click ‘Authenticate’.
   

   

4. The first time you open Synaptic Package Manager, you’ll see a welcome message. Just click ‘Close’ to get to the main interface.
   

   

5. Click the ‘Search’ button at the top right to find the app you want to install.
   

   

6. In the search box, type the name of the application, such as VLC Media Player, and then click ‘Search’.
   

   

7. Look through the search results and find ‘VLC’. Click on it to select.
   

   

8. Right-click the checkbox next to ‘VLC’ and pick ‘Mark for Installation’ from the menu.
   

   

9. A window will pop up showing all the extra bits (dependencies) needed for VLC to work. Click the ‘Mark’ button to agree and continue.
   

   

10. The packages ready to install will be highlighted in green. Click the ‘Apply’ button at the top to start the installation.
    

    

11. You’ll see a summary of the changes, listing the packages to be installed. Click ‘Apply’ to confirm and start downloading.
    

    

12. Synaptic Package Manager will download VLC and its dependencies.
    

    

13. Once the download is done, the installation will start automatically. Just wait for it to finish.
    

    

14. After installation, you can find VLC in the Mint menu. Click the ‘Menu’ button and search for ‘VLC’.
    

    

15. Click ‘VLC Media Player’ from the search results to start the application.
    

    

Method 2: Using the command line interface

If you’re okay with using the terminal, this is a fast way to install apps.

1. Open the Terminal by clicking its icon on the panel or by using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.
   

   

2. To install an app, type the command sudo apt install [application-name] into the Terminal. For example, to install CherryTree, type sudo apt install cherrytree and hit ‘Enter’.
   

   

3. When it prompts you, enter your password and press ‘Enter’.
   

   

4. The terminal will show the packages to be installed and ask for confirmation. Type Y and hit ‘Enter’ to proceed.
   

   

5. Wait for the app and its dependencies to download and install.

6. Once it’s done, you can launch the app from the Mint menu. Click ‘Menu’ and search for ‘CherryTree’.
   

   

You can install other apps the same way by replacing [application-name] with the name of the software you want.

Method 3: From application websites

Some apps can be installed directly from their websites. This can give you access to the newest versions or apps not in the package manager.

1. Go to the app’s official website. For instance, to install the Edge browser, go to its download page and grab the .deb package for Linux Mint.
   
   

Note: When downloading installers, make sure to choose the .deb package for Debian-based systems like Linux Mint.

2. Accept the license terms by clicking the ‘Accept and Download’ button.
   

   

3. Save the .deb installer to your computer. After it downloads, open the file to launch the package installer. Click ‘Install Package’ to continue.
   

   

4. You’ll be asked for your password. Type it in the authentication box and hit ‘Enter’.
   

   

5. Wait for the installation to finish. The package installer will let you know when it’s done.
   

   

6. To launch Edge, click the ‘Menu’ button and search for edge browser. Select it from the search results.
   

   

Updating apps

Keeping your apps updated on Linux Mint is simple. The system automatically looks for updates and tells you when they’re available.

Method 1: With the Update Manager

1. When updates are ready, a shield icon with a dot will show up on the lower right side of the panel. Click this icon to open the Update Manager.
   

   

2. In the Update Manager, you’ll see a list of updates for both system components and apps. Check or uncheck the boxes to pick the ones you want to install.
   

   

3. After choosing your updates, click the ‘Install Updates’ button at the top.
   

   

4. You’ll be asked for your password. Enter it and click ‘Authenticate’ or hit ‘Enter’.
   

   

5. The Update Manager will download and install the updates. When it’s done, it will check for more updates and let you know when everything is up-to-date.
   

   

Note: The default settings in the Update Manager work well for most people. If you’re more advanced, you can tweak these settings to control how updates are handled.

Method 2: Via the Terminal

You can also update your system using the Terminal.

1. Open the Terminal by clicking its icon on the panel or pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. To check for updates, type the command sudo apt-get update and press ‘Enter’.
   

   

3. When asked, type your password and press ‘Enter’.
   

   

4. After updating the package lists, you can upgrade the installed packages by running sudo apt-get upgrade. The Terminal will show the packages to be upgraded and ask for confirmation. Type Y and press ‘Enter’ to proceed.

Your system will then download and install the updates, keeping your apps and system current.

---