1. Open up a terminal and log yourself as root(type su, then type your password when asked).
2. To install a package you use this command:
QUOTE
apt-get install <package name>
It will then find the package and ask if you want to install it. Once done, you will be able to use it.apt-cache
Suppose you don't know the package name though? Well Apt-Get has got you covered with this:
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apt-cache search <name of software>
So lets say I want to search for firefox in apt get. I would type in apt-cache search firefox.Once done, it will give you the package name you can use to install.
Updating the package lists
I do this at least once a day. It updates the package lists and versions.
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apt-get update
Upgrading the operating system
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apt-get upgrade
That will update the packages so your os will be nice and shiny.That basicly covers it.