Let’s clear something up right away. A lot of people avoid Linux because they assume it requires coding, typing commands into a terminal, or doing something overly technical. That assumption stops them before they even start.
Here’s the truth. You can use Linux without touching the terminal at all. If you can use an app store on your phone or tablet, you can install and manage software on Linux.
Your Best Friend in Linux: The Software Manager
If you’re new to Linux, the Software Manager is where everything starts. It’s sort of like the
Apple App store or the Microsoft store. The interface is visual and simple. Just like with Windows and iOS, you can search for apps, browse categories, read reviews, and install programs with one click.
You can find the Software Manager through the Start menu. If it’s not appended to the side of the menu, just type “software” in the menu search bar, and it will pop up.
Once you open it, you’ll see the search bar at the top, categories in the middle, and featured and popular programs. This window is your software installation control center. No terminal needed and no coding required.
How to Search for and Install Apps
Using the Software Manager is straightforward. In the search bar, type what you’re looking for. The Software Manager will show you what Linux has available for your query. Browse through the results (make sure to read the reviews), click the program you want, and then click Install. That’s it!
No sign-ups, no subscriptions, no jumping through hoops. Easy peasy!
Photoshop Replacement on Linux
Here’s an example of how to replace a popular program. Although you won’t find Adobe Photoshop in the Linux Software Manager, however, you will find a powerful alternative in the GIMP program. GIMP is a full-featured image editor that can handle most tasks people use Photoshop for. Another complementary program is called Inkscape. Inkscape is great for technical and artistic illustrations.
The beauty of using these programs is that they’re free, no sign-up, and if they don’t meet your requirements, you can always uninstall them.
Use Software Manager to Replace Microsoft Office
There are a few open-source alternatives to Microsoft Office. I use LibreOffice as it meets my needs. However, if you’re working with more complex documents with specific formatting requirements, you might want to check out OnlyOffice. Both programs are compatible with Microsoft Office files and Google Office Suite files.
Be advised, however, that you will need to “authenticate” the installation. In other words, you’ll need to insert your password before the programs will install. It’s a nice safety feature that prevents other folks from installing unwanted programs on your computer.
Browse Categories in the Software Manager
If you’re not sure which programs you need, explore. Go through the Category section of the Software Manager. Each category has a wide selection of programs. In my case, my first choice was to browse the Games category. My grandkids like playing games, and we found plenty of fun ones to play.
Because of the graphical user interface (no terminal requirement), it was easy to pick and choose games.
Organizing Your Apps
Once you install programs, you can organize them however you want. Linux makes it easy to pin the apps to the bottom panel (taskbar) and/or on the desktop. Removing the icons is just as easy.
To pin the app, find it in the Menu and right-click it. You’ll be shown several options. Two of which are to pin to the panel or desktop.
Once pinned, to remove the icon, right-click it and select the appropriate action.
Updating Software (On Your Terms)
Linux handles updates differently and better than Microsoft. It lets you choose when and what to update. It does not force you to update.
On the bottom panel is an icon for the Update Manager. Click it to see which programs require updating. It not only tells you which programs need updating, but also the type of update: security, kernel, or another type. And since you can choose what to update and when, your workflow isn’t interrupted.
I’ve heard horror stories of Microsoft’s forced updates and how they not only disrupted workflow but stopped it dead in its tracks. That won’t happen with Linux.
What About the Terminal?
Yes, Linux has a terminal, and no, you don’t need to use it. Everything covered here, from installing apps to updating your system, can be done through the graphical interface.
If you want to learn the terminal later, you can. But it’s optional.
Why Linux Feels Different (In a Good Way)
It may take a little getting used to a Linux interface, but it’s worth the effort to use a computer that offers free software, no ads, and clean installs and (I forgot to mention) uninstalls. When Linux installs a program, it lists the components (packages) it’s installing. When it uninstalls a program, it removes all of the components. It doesn’t leave little bird droppings throughout your system. That cleanup keeps your system running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
You just learned how to:
- Find software
- Install it
- Replace common Windows programs
- Manage updates
All without touching the terminal. If you’ve been hesitant to try Linux, this is your entry point. Don’t overthink it. Install a few programs, click around, and explore. I think you’ll learn to like it.
