Linux Desktop Software Managers

Posted on: February 18th, 2012 by 3 Comments

Here you can learn about the tools that you can use to manage your software when using any Linux desktop. Every distribution seems to have its own software manager these days and it is difficult to keep up with them all.

Package Manager Details

There are a variety of tools that you can use to install packages, update your system, or manage your repositories. Generally alternative package managers can be used if you are not happy with the one provided with your distribution.

Ubuntu 11.10 Screenshot

Finding The Right One

Some Linux package managers and software centers are more advanced and provide better package information. So be sure to find the Linux package manager that fits your needs.

Muon Package Manager


The Muon package manager is another recent introduction to the Kubuntu desktop. This package manager is user friendly and quite advanced. You can use the Muon package manager you install and remove packages, perform package and distribution upgrades, or to simply gather information about packages.

The Muon package manager has a highly customizable interface as well. Users are able to customize everything from toolbars to keyboard shortcuts.

Muon Package Manager

MUON Software Center


The MUON software center has recently been introduced to Kubuntu as the default source for new software. This Linux software manager is easy to use and functions very much like the Ubuntu software center.

MUON Software Center

Muon Update Manager


The Muon update manager is also available to help manage your software, this is a new introduction to Kubuntu. The Muon update manager is help you handle all of your package updates at scheduled times. You can also use the Muon update manager to add or remove software sources and repositories.

Muon Update Manager

Synaptic Package Manager


The Synaptic package manager is an advanced software management tool that you can use to browse for new packages,view package information, or manage your software repositories.

Synaptic Package Manager

Ubuntu Software Center


The Ubuntu software center keeps getting better every day, its not only a software manager any more. You can now browse through the massive list of Ubuntu software and even ready software reviews from other members of the community. The Ubuntu software center provides detailed package information, and browsing for new packages is easy.

Ubuntu Software Center

YaST Software Manager


The YaST software manager is commonly found on OpenSUSE based distributions. This Linux software center is quite easy to use and also functions much like the Ubuntu software center.

With the YaST software manager you can install new software or update installed software. You can also use YaST to manage your software repositories.

YaST Software Manager

Tags: , , , , , | Posted in Desktop

  • fixitmanarizona

    I prefer Synaptic over the Ubuntu software center, which freezes my system. I haven’t found out why yet, nor am I really interested in using it after it failed so badly on my Xubuntu 11.10 install.

    • http://linuxlibrary.org thinkinhurtz

      I also perfer Synaptic, but the Ubuntu software center has always seved me well until recently. I am sure it is just due to all of the changes with Gnome/Ubuntu currently. I am sure most problems will be resolved in the next 2 releases.

    • chipbuster

      Ubuntu Software Center has never really played nice for me…even on a good day in 11.10, I’d have to give it a couple starts and kill -9 signals before it would work.