[HOW TO] Apt-Get

[Prosidius]

Apt-Get is a packaging system used in Debian and many other Linux Distros. It is based off of the CLI(Command Line Interface). Lets get to it. For this how-to I will be using Debian.

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:

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:

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.

apt-get update

Upgrading the operating system

apt-get upgrade

That will update the packages so your os will be nice and shiny.

That basicly covers it.

Edited July 6, 2005 by Adamb10

[markwolfe Veteran]

I edited the title from "get-apt" to "apt-get". I assume that was a typo?

Also, some people who like a GUI would appreciate a graphical front end called "synaptic" to apt. To get it, just type "apt-get install synaptic". (Y)