Apt is a command line utility used in Ubuntu to manage software packages. It uses a list of available software and where to get it.

It must be run as sudo:

sudo apt-get check

This example checks for any problems in currently installed programs.

There are many ways to install software under Linux, but there are several advantages to apt:

• 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.

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

sudo apt-get install packagename

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

To remove a package:

sudo apt-get remove packagename

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

sudo apt-get autoremove packagename

Lastly if you want to remove any configuration files then:

sudo apt-get –purge autoremove packagename

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

sudo apt-get update

Available upgradescan be shown by typing:

sudo apt-get upgrade

Or upgrade the entire distribution using

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

To free up disk space by running

sudo apt-get autoclean

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

sudo apt-get clean

Lastly, you can reconfigure an installed package by running:

dpkg-reconfigure packagename

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.

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