Install Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

For those seeking to install Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release of Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, you’re in for a treat. Synaptic Package Manager is a premier GUI-based tool optimized for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. It offers a superior approach to managing software packages, presenting a more sophisticated alternative to the default Ubuntu Software Center. With Synaptic at your disposal, you gain enhanced features and control over package management. Let’s explore the core attributes that set Synaptic apart for Ubuntu users.

Key Features and Differences:

  • User-Friendly Design: Synaptic boasts a clear and intuitive interface, streamlining package management for beginners and experts.
  • Comprehensive Management: Synaptic surpasses the Ubuntu Software Center with advanced features such as dependency resolution, package version selection, and detailed package status insights.
  • Tailored Searches: Custom filters allow users to swiftly find and organize packages based on specific criteria, enhancing efficiency.
  • In-Depth Package Details: Synaptic offers comprehensive information for each package, including descriptions, dependencies, and installation size, aiding users in making informed decisions.
  • Seamless Integration: Synaptic integrates flawlessly with the APT system, supporting both .deb packages and package repositories.
  • Broad Compatibility: Suitable for Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish, Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, and other supported Ubuntu versions, Synaptic ensures wide-ranging adaptability.

With a clear understanding of Synaptic’s capabilities, the subsequent sections will guide you through the installation steps on your Ubuntu system.

Update Ubuntu before Synaptic Installation

First, update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date. This will ensure no conflicts arise as best as possible during the installation.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

Install Synaptic with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 Repository

By default, the Synaptic package manager is present on the Ubuntu default repository. This makes it easy to install and update in the future. To install using this method, open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt install synaptic

While this method is probably the best for system stability and security, check the following method for those who want to use a third-party LaunchPAD PPA for the latest version.

Install Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT PPA

The “gogo-synaptic” LaunchPAD PPA provides the latest versions for Ubuntu LTS releases and updates often with every new binary release. To import the Synaptic PPA, run the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:trebelnik-stefina/synaptic -y

Before you install the Synaptic Package Manager on your Ubuntu system, you must update the APT package index. This ensures the system accurately reflects the newly added repository in the sources list file and keeps the package cache current:

sudo apt update

You can install the Synaptic Package Manager with the refresh package index completed. Execute a simple command in the terminal to complete this process:

sudo apt install synaptic

It’s important to note that even if you have installed Synaptic Package Manager from the Ubuntu repository and wish to upgrade to the PPA version, you should use the installation command instead of the upgrade command to ensure a proper installation.

Launch Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

With Synaptic now installed, you can now launch Synaptic using the command line terminal by entering the following command:

synaptic

For most desktop users, you can access Synaptic through the application icon found in this path:

Activities > Show Applications > Synaptic Package Manager
Screenshot showcasing how to launch Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04/20.04 LTS.
Step-by-step screenshot on initiating the Synaptic Package Manager.

A brief message might appear to explain how the program works the first time you launch Synaptic Package Manager. Designed to give new users a general overview of the tool’s capabilities, you can dismiss this message by clicking the “Do not show this message again” option. Once dismissed, the message won’t appear again unless you choose to enable it at startup.

Introductory screenshot of Synaptic Package Manager features on Ubuntu 22.04/20.04 LTS.
A brief overview of the Synaptic Package Manager’s main features.

Tips on Getting Started with Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Now that you have successfully installed the Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu, here are some first-time tips on getting started with the software:

General Tips with Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu

  • Keep Your Package List Updated: Always refresh your package list before installing or upgrading. Use the Reload button in Synaptic to accomplish this.
  • Quick Search: Utilize the Quick Filter box for a faster package search instead of scrolling through the extensive list.
  • Check Package Details: For an informed decision, click on a package to view its detailed description, version, dependencies, and more before installing or removing it.
  • Package Statuses: Synaptic employs various icons representing package statuses such as installed, not installed, and upgradable. Familiarizing with these icons will enhance your user experience.
  • Avoid Multiple Package Managers: Running multiple package managers like apt, apt-get, and Software Center simultaneously can lead to conflicts. Stick to one at a time.

Customizations with Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu

  • Customize Columns: Adjust the display columns in Synaptic to your liking. Right-click on the column headers and select or deselect attributes.
  • Set Preferences: For a tailored experience, go to Settings > Preferences. Here, you can modify various settings related to the package list, network, and distributions.
  • Choose a Theme: If the default appearance doesn’t resonate with you, navigate to Settings > Themes to pick a different theme.

Other Tips with Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu

  • Use the History Feature: This allows you to track and review all your changes. This can be especially useful for troubleshooting and understanding system changes over time.
  • Mark All Upgrades: Use the Mark All Upgrades button to easily upgrade all packages with available updates. It’s a quick way to keep your system updated.
  • Dependencies: When installing a new package, Synaptic will inform you about its dependencies. Ensure you review and understand them before proceeding with the installation.
  • Fix Broken Packages: If, for some reason, a package installation fails or gets interrupted, Synaptic offers a Fix Broken Packages option. This can help resolve any potential issues and ensure the stability of your system.
Default dashboard view of Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04/20.04 LTS.
The standard landing dashboard of the Synaptic Package Manager.
Preferences settings screen of Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04/20.04 LTS.
Customizing your Synaptic experience through the preferences screen.
Screenshot highlighting the process to mark additional packages for upgrade in Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04/20.04 LTS.
Efficiently selecting packages for an upgrade using the Synaptic Package Manager.
Architecture settings interface of Synaptic Package Manager on Ubuntu 22.04/20.04 LTS.
Configuring architecture settings in the Synaptic Package Manager.

Additional Tips with Synaptic and Ubuntu

PolicyKit for Alternative Desktop Environments

Suppose you use an alternative desktop environment on Ubuntu and encounter issues launching Synaptic Package Manager from the main system menu. In that case, the likely cause is the absence of the PolicyKit package on your desktop environment.

To resolve this issue, you can install the relevant PolicyKit package for your desktop environment using one of the following commands:

lxpolkit – for the LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment):

sudo apt install lxpolkit

mate-polkit – for the Mate Desktop Environment:

sudo apt install mate-polkit

policykit-1-gnome – for the Cinnamon, XFCE, and Unity Desktop Environment:

sudo apt install policykit-1-gnome

lxqt-policykit – for the LXQT Desktop Environment:

sudo apt install lxqt-policykit

Remove Synaptic Package Manager From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

If you no longer need Synaptic Package Manager on your Ubuntu system, you can remove it using the following command:

sudo apt remove synaptic

This command will work regardless of the installation method used.

If you used the LaunchPAD PPA to install Synaptic and wish to remove it entirely from your system, you can use the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:trebelnik-stefina/synaptic -y

Conclusion

In conclusion, Synaptic Package Manager is a powerful tool for managing software packages on Ubuntu systems. Its user-friendly graphical interface makes it an ideal alternative to the command line for package management.

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