Updated: 07-May-2018
There are several ways to obtain software from the Ubuntu MATE software catalog. Ubuntu MATE's own Software Boutique is a carefully curated selection of the best-in-class applications from the Ubuntu repositories, chosen because they integrate well, complement Ubuntu MATE and enable you to personalize your computing experience. When you first install Ubuntu MATE, the Software Boutique is the main graphical application you will use to install software. Other applications are also available to explore the complete Ubuntu software catalog. You have full access to the entire library at any time using the command line, but in order to obtain software from the complete software catalog using a graphical application that lets you browse through it, you will need to enable one or more of the software center applications from within the Software Boutique.
The Software Boutique's curated selection of the most popular applications lets you:
If you don't find what you're looking for in the Software Boutique, install one of the available Software Centers to explore the complete Ubuntu software catalog. Choose the "More Software" category using the icons across the top of the Software Boutique's main window. The selection labeled simply "Software" installs a graphical application that lets you browse, install and update additional software applications and system extensions from the Ubuntu software repositories.
The Synaptic Package Manager is a graphical package management application that lets you install software onto your computer and manage the software that is already installed. It allows you to search, install, upgrade, and remove packages using the software repositories. It also lets you add more software sources, modify repository settings, view changelogs, and even lock a package to a specific version.
Ubuntu MATE always has security in mind. Regardless of how you choose to install software, you are always asked for your password before anything can be installed.
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