====== Package management ======
Although Ubuntu uses deb packages, it has a variety of tools to manage packages. Since 10.04, aptitude was removed leaving apt-get - which is OK but removes task based package selection.

Package managers must be run with elevated priviledges:

<code bash>sudo apt-get check</code>

This example checks for any problems in currently installed programs.

There are several advantages to packages:

    * Automatic dependancy resolution: Any packages required are automatically downloaded and installed.
    * Automatic updates: Apt allows for any software installed to be upgraded to newer versions.

===== Installing software =====

The most common use for apt is to install new software:

<code bash>sudo apt-get install packagename</code>

Any required dependencies are resolved and you are asked if you wish to proceed. You will also be told if any problems might arise.

===== Removing software =====

To remove a package:

<code bash>sudo apt-get remove packagename</code>

If you wish to remove a package and all its dependancies:

<code bash>sudo apt-get autoremove packagename</code>

Lastly if you want to remove any configuration files then:

<code bash>sudo apt-get --purge autoremove packagename</code>
===== Install packages by task =====
Install tasksel:
<code bash>sudo apt-get install tasksel</code>
Then you can install by task - i.e. to install a [[/ubuntu/lamp|LAMP stack]]
<code bash>sudo tasksel install lamp-server</code>
Running tasksel on its own uses a curses interface showing available tasks.

===== Package maintainance =====

You can update your source lists (what software is available) b:

<code bash>sudo apt-get update</code>

Available upgradescan be shown by typing:

<code bash>sudo apt-get upgrade</code>

Or upgrade the entire distribution using

<code bash>sudo apt-get dist-upgrade</code>

To free up disk space by running

<code bash>sudo apt-get autoclean</code>

This removes deb packages for uninstalled applications, you can remove them for installed packages using:

<code bash>sudo apt-get clean</code>

Lastly, you can reconfigure an installed package by running:

<code bash>sudo dpkg-reconfigure packagename</code>

===== Optimize download =====

You can increase the download speed when using apt in Ubuntu 7.10 by finding the fastest available source. First click on **System>Administration>Software Sources**. From 10.10, this option is hidden and requires that you open **System>Preferences>Main Menu** then tick "Software Sources"

Choose Other from the Download From list box then click on the Select Best Server button.