Sync & Reinstall Apps on Ubuntu - A Quick Guide
Streamlining Package Installation on Ubuntu Linux
Upon initial setup, a common first step for any Linux user involves installing preferred software packages. Ubuntu simplifies this process through synchronization of installed applications across multiple machines.
For those comfortable with the command line, package installation can be accomplished efficiently with a single command.
Saving Time During Ubuntu Installations
These techniques prove particularly useful when undertaking a complete Ubuntu reinstall, setting up Ubuntu on a new system, or performing a clean installation of the newest release.
By leveraging these methods, users can significantly reduce the time required to configure their Ubuntu environment.
Ubuntu provides a convenient way to manage and replicate your software setup, ensuring consistency across your devices.
The terminal offers a powerful and direct approach to installing packages, favored by experienced users.
- Reinstalling Ubuntu from scratch becomes faster.
- Setting up Ubuntu on new hardware is simplified.
- Fresh installations of updated versions are expedited.
Synchronizing Applications with Ubuntu Software Center
A synchronization feature is integrated within the Ubuntu Software Center. Access to this functionality is achieved by navigating to the File menu and selecting the "Sync Between Computers" option.
The presented registration prompt suggests the creation of a new "Ubuntu Software Center account," however, this is not entirely accurate. The Ubuntu Software Center leverages Ubuntu single sign-on credentials.
Utilizing Existing Accounts
If you currently possess an Ubuntu One or Launchpad account, a separate account creation is unnecessary, as these function as your single sign-on identity.
Upon successful login, the "Installed" tab becomes accessible, displaying a list of software installed on each of your linked computers.
Comparing Installed Packages
Selecting a specific computer initiates a comparison between its installed packages and those present on your current system. This process greatly simplifies the reinstallation of software following a fresh Ubuntu installation.
Even if the precise list of previously installed packages is not readily recalled, this feature facilitates their restoration.
Limitations of the Synchronization Feature
Currently, the synchronization feature exhibits certain limitations. It exclusively supports packages originating from Ubuntu’s official repositories.
- Packages sourced from Personal Package Archives (PPAs) are not included.
- Software installed outside of standard repositories will also not be listed.
Furthermore, automatic application installation on other computers is not yet implemented. Applications must be selected and installed individually from the displayed list.
Reinstalling Software via the Terminal
A rapid method for software reinstallation involves utilizing the command line interface. Specifically, the apt-get install command is capable of accepting multiple package names simultaneously. Rather than navigating the Ubuntu Software Center and installing applications individually, a single command can facilitate the reinstallation of all desired packages.
Consider a scenario where you wish to install the Chromium web browser, the Pidgin instant messaging client, and the Adobe Flash plugin. The following command, executed in a terminal, will accomplish this:
sudo apt-get install chromium-browser pidgin flashplugin-installer
The number of package names included in this command is unrestricted, and their order is irrelevant – alphabetical sorting is not required.
Conversely, the sudo apt-get remove command can be employed to efficiently uninstall several pre-installed packages.
Should you utilize packages sourced from Personal Package Archives (PPAs), execute the corresponding sudo apt-add-repository commands for each PPA prior to issuing the sudo apt-get install command. This approach streamlines the installation of numerous packages with minimal commands. Further automation can be achieved by encapsulating these commands within a shell script.
Third-Party Scripts for Application Management
Numerous users have developed custom shell scripts to streamline tasks such as package installation, PPA addition, and package removal following an Ubuntu installation.
One example is Silverwav's Cleanstart script. Utilizing this script involves creating a personalized packages.list file, which details the desired packages for installation. This list supports categorization and descriptive annotations, which the Cleanstart script effectively disregards during processing.
The cleanstart-packages.list.sh file functions as a shell script, responsible for installing the packages listed within the packages.list file. A key benefit lies in the ability to maintain a well-organized packages.list file, complete with descriptions, for tracking installed packages.
Essentially, the script's functionality is limited to removing formatting and passing the package list to the apt-get install command – a process easily replicated manually.
For those seeking a more comprehensive solution, And Any Void's installation script presents an alternative. Inspired by Cleanstart, this script enables the specification of PPAs to be added and packages to be removed through its configuration file.
While offering expanded capabilities compared to Cleanstart, the same results can be achieved with a series of individual commands.
(Please note that And Any Void's website is presented in French; however, the scripts themselves are written in English. Chrome users will be prompted to translate the page if needed.)
What methods do you employ to install your preferred software after a fresh Ubuntu installation? Share your preferred commands and any helpful techniques you may have discovered.