Installing packages using Synaptic Package Manager GUI

[carmar]

Synaptic Package Manager is a graphical front-end for APT. You can use it to install, remove, upgrade, fix broken packages. Synaptic Package Manager accounts for root access and incorporates dependencies while also displaying the latest package versions.

Installation: Use the terminal (ctrl+alt+t) and enter sudo apt install synaptic. Once installed, Synaptic Package Manager can be found under the System Tools sub-menu.

Usage: Search for packages using the button on the ribbon menu.

For example, VLC. This is already installed on my machine, so the box left of the package name is shaded grey. Installation and Removal options can be accessed by right-clicking the package name.

Then click Apply on the ribbon menu and let the process complete.

Finally, if you encounter broken package warnings, you can check for these under the Broken filter and have Synaptic Package Manager fix these for you using Edit -> Fix Broken Packages.

[jgordon]

So what’s the benefits of using one over the other with apt, synaptic or the app store?

[carmar]

The store doesn’t always get root access, so there can be installation issues. Additionally, I have found Synaptic to be reliable when it comes to dependencies.
Of course, the terminal allows for more detailed installation/removal options but I don’t think one can beat the terminal (I’m sure Aravisian is smiling) given that one allows a variety of commands to be input whereas the other is a GUI with the limitations inherent in any prepackaged (pardon the pun) solution.
Myself, I only use either Synaptic or the terminal.

[Deeanna]

Thank you so much for answering my question and sending me the link to this how to! It worked perfectly!

Smiles!
Deeanna