Software Management

Soplos Linux offers total flexibility for installing applications. Depending on the edition you choose (Tyron, Tyson, or Boro), the default experience varies, but they all share the same powerful Debian base.

You can easily manage your software stores from Soplos Welcome in the Software tab.

Understanding Package Management

What are Packages?

In Linux, software is distributed as packages - compressed archives containing:

  • The actual program files and libraries
  • Configuration files
  • Documentation and man pages
  • Metadata (version, description, dependencies)

APT: Advanced Package Tool

Soplos Linux uses APT, the same package manager as Debian and Ubuntu. APT handles:

  • Installation: Downloads and installs packages
  • Dependencies: Automatically installs required libraries
  • Updates: Keeps software current
  • Removal: Cleanly uninstalls packages

Debian Package Format (.deb)

Soplos uses .deb files, which are:

  • Binary packages pre-compiled for your system
  • Compatible with all Debian-based distributions
  • Managed by dpkg (low-level) or apt (high-level)
Dependencies: Packages often depend on other packages. APT automatically resolves and installs these dependencies, making software installation seamless.

APT Command Line Basics

While graphical tools are convenient, the command line offers more control and is essential for troubleshooting. Here are the most common APT commands:

Installing Packages

Terminal

# Install a single package
sudo apt install firefox

# Install multiple packages
sudo apt install gimp inkscape vlc

# Install without confirmation prompt
sudo apt install -y package-name

Removing Packages

Terminal

# Remove package (keeps configuration files)
sudo apt remove package-name

# Remove package and configuration files
sudo apt purge package-name

# Remove unused dependencies
sudo apt autoremove
remove vs purge: Use remove to keep your settings if you plan to reinstall later. Use purge for complete removal including all configuration.

Searching & Information

Terminal

# Search for packages
apt search keyword

# Show package information
apt show package-name

# List installed packages
apt list --installed

# Check if a package is installed
apt list --installed | grep package-name

Listing & Managing

Terminal

# List upgradable packages
apt list --upgradable

# Show package dependencies
apt-cache depends package-name

# Show what packages depend on this one
apt-cache rdepends package-name

Finding & Installing Software

Searching for Packages

Before installing, you need to find the right package name:

Terminal

# Search by name or description
apt search photo editor

# More precise search (package names only)
apt-cache pkgnames | grep photo

Getting Package Information

Always check package details before installing:

Terminal

# View detailed information
apt show gimp

This shows:

  • Package name and version
  • Description and homepage
  • Download size and installed size
  • Dependencies
  • Maintainer information

Installing from Official Repositories

Once you've found the right package:

  • Update package lists: sudo apt update
  • Install the package: sudo apt install package-name
  • Verify installation: which command-name or try running the program
Pro Tip: Use tab completion in the terminal. Type sudo apt install fir and press TAB to see available packages starting with "fir".

Managing Local .deb Files

What are .deb Files?

Sometimes you'll download software as a .deb file directly from a website (like Google Chrome, VS Code, or Discord). These are standalone Debian packages.

Installing .deb Files

There are several methods to install local .deb files:

Method 1: Using APT (Recommended)

Terminal

# Navigate to download directory
cd ~/Downloads

# Install with APT (handles dependencies automatically)
sudo apt install ./package-name.deb
Why use APT? Unlike dpkg, APT automatically resolves and installs dependencies from your repositories, making installation much smoother.

Method 2: Using dpkg

Terminal

# Install with dpkg
sudo dpkg -i package-name.deb

# If dependencies are missing, fix them with:
sudo apt install -f

Method 3: Using Gdebi (GUI)

Gdebi is a graphical tool for installing .deb files:

  • Install Gdebi: sudo apt install gdebi
  • Right-click the .deb file
  • Choose "Open with Gdebi"
  • Click "Install Package"

Removing Installed .deb Packages

Once installed, .deb packages are managed like any other package:

Terminal

# Find the package name
dpkg -l | grep package-keyword

# Remove it
sudo apt remove package-name
Caution: Only install .deb files from trusted sources. Installing packages from unknown sources can compromise your system's security.

Tyron (XFCE Edition)

The Tyron edition follows a minimalist and lightweight philosophy:

  • Default: Does not include any heavy "software store" pre-installed to save resources.
  • Available Options: From Soplos Welcome you can easily install:
    • Synaptic: Classic and powerful package manager (recommended for advanced users).
    • Gdebi: For installing standalone `.deb` files.
    • GNOME Software: Full graphical store. When installed from Welcome, it is automatically configured with Flatpak and Snap plugins.

Tyson (Plasma Edition)

The Tyson edition offers a modern experience integrated with KDE:

  • Default: Comes with Discover, the KDE software center.
  • Integration: If you decide to install Flatpak or Snap from Soplos Welcome, the system will automatically install the necessary plugins for Discover to manage these formats.
  • Alternatives: As in Tyron, you can install Synaptic or Gdebi if you prefer more traditional tools.

Boro (GNOME Edition)

The Boro edition offers the full GNOME experience:

  • Default: Includes GNOME Software pre-installed.
  • Configuration: Comes ready to use with support for Flatpak and the Flathub repository already configured out of the box, offering immediate access to thousands of applications.

Repositories & Sources

What are Repositories?

Repositories are servers that host packages. Soplos Linux uses Debian Testing repositories by default, providing thousands of software packages.

Viewing Your Repositories

Terminal

# View configured repositories
cat /etc/apt/sources.list

# View additional repository files
ls /etc/apt/sources.list.d/

Adding Third-Party Repositories

Sometimes you may need to add external repositories for specific software:

Terminal

# Add repository key (if required)
wget -qO- https://example.com/key.gpg | sudo apt-key add -

# Add repository
echo "deb https://example.com/repo stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/example.list

# Update package lists
sudo apt update
Warning: Only add repositories from trusted sources. Third-party repositories can introduce security risks or system instability.

Removing Repositories

Terminal

# Remove repository file
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/example.list

# Update package lists
sudo apt update

Flatpak In-Depth

What is Flatpak?

Flatpak is the recommended format for modern desktop applications. It provides:

  • Latest versions of applications (Discord, Spotify, OBS, VS Code)
  • Sandboxed execution for better security
  • Independence from system libraries
  • Easy installation and updates

Installing Flatpak Support

You can install Flatpak easily from Soplos Welcome → Software tab, or via terminal:

Terminal

# Install Flatpak
sudo apt install flatpak

# Add Flathub repository (main source of Flatpak apps)
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Common Flatpak Commands

Terminal

# Search for applications
flatpak search spotify

# Install an application
flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client

# Run a Flatpak application
flatpak run com.spotify.Client

# List installed Flatpaks
flatpak list

# Update all Flatpaks
flatpak update

# Remove a Flatpak
flatpak uninstall com.spotify.Client

# Remove unused runtimes
flatpak uninstall --unused

When to Use Flatpak

  • Latest versions: When Debian repos have older versions
  • Proprietary software: Discord, Spotify, Slack
  • Not in Debian: Apps not available in official repositories
  • Sandboxing: When you want extra security isolation
Integration: Flatpak applications appear in your application menu alongside regular packages and can be managed from GNOME Software or KDE Discover.

Snap Packages

What is Snap?

Developed by Canonical (Ubuntu), Snap is another universal package format. Like Flatpak, it provides containerized applications.

Installing Snap Support

Install from Soplos Welcome or via terminal:

Terminal

# Install snapd
sudo apt install snapd

# Enable snapd socket
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket

# Create symbolic link
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Common Snap Commands

Terminal

# Search for snaps
snap find keyword

# Install a snap
sudo snap install package-name

# List installed snaps
snap list

# Update all snaps
sudo snap refresh

# Remove a snap
sudo snap remove package-name

Snap vs Flatpak

Feature Flatpak Snap
Repository Flathub (community) Snap Store (Canonical)
Desktop Integration Excellent Good
Server Apps Desktop focus Desktop + Server
Recommended for Soplos Yes If needed
Recommendation: For desktop applications, Flatpak is generally recommended on Soplos Linux. Use Snap only if the application you need is exclusively available there.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Package Not Found

If APT cannot find a package, try updating the lists first:

Terminal

# Update package lists first
sudo apt update

# Try searching for similar names
apt search package-keyword

# Check if it's in Debian Testing
# Visit: https://packages.debian.org/

Broken Dependencies

Terminal

# Fix broken dependencies
sudo apt --fix-broken install

# If that fails, try:
sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -f

Conflicting Processes

If you get a "Could not get lock" error, another process is using APT:

Terminal

# Remove the conflicting package first
sudo apt remove conflicting-package

# Then install the desired package
sudo apt install desired-package

Repository Errors

Terminal

# If you get GPG errors, update keyrings:
sudo apt update --allow-insecure-repositories
sudo apt install debian-archive-keyring

# Then update normally
sudo apt update

Disk Space Issues

Terminal

# Check disk space
df -h

# Clean package cache
sudo apt clean

# Remove old packages
sudo apt autoremove

# Remove old kernels (keep 2-3 latest)
sudo apt autoremove --purge

Best Practices Checklist

Before Installing

  • Always run sudo apt update first
  • Check package details with apt show
  • Verify disk space if installing large software
  • Read user reviews if available in software centers

Keeping System Clean

  • Use sudo apt autoremove regularly
  • Clean cache with sudo apt clean occasionally
  • Remove unused repositories
  • Don't install unnecessary packages

Choosing Package Source

  • First choice: Official Debian repositories (most stable)
  • Latest versions: Flatpak from Flathub (for desktop apps)
  • Third-party .deb: Only from official websites (Chrome, VS Code)
  • Last resort: Third-party repositories (potential risks)

Security

Never:
  • Run sudo pip install (use virtual environments)
  • Execute scripts directly from curl/wget without reading them
  • Add repositories without verifying the GPG key
  • Install software from unverified websites

Choosing Sources

  • Prefer official repositories for stability
  • Use Flatpak for latest desktop apps
  • Avoid adding too many PPAs or third-party repos
  • Be cautious with random .deb files from the internet

Performance Tips

  • Prefer APT over Flatpak for system utilities (lighter weight)
  • Use Flatpak for user applications (better isolation, newer versions)
  • Avoid installing too many software centers (pick one and stick with it)
  • Remove old kernels to save disk space
Learn More: See the System Updates page for keeping your packages current, and the Security page for hardening your system.