Ubuntu Software Center (originally codenamed AppCenter) is a computer program for browsing, installing and removing software on the Ubuntu operating system. Based upon the GNOME application, gnome-app-install, which is similar in function and appearance, it originally served as a GTK+ graphical user interface front-end to the Advanced Packaging Tool (apt), part of the Debian package management system. Today, it also allows users to purchase commercial applications. Ubuntu Software Center can also be used to add and manage repositories as well as Ubuntu Personal Package Archives (PPA). It is written in the Python programming language.[1][2]
Development history
In early 2009 Ubuntu developers noted that package management within Ubuntu could be improved and consolidated. Recent releases of Ubuntu, such as Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) included five applications for package management which consume space and other resources as well as provide confusion to users. Applications can be downloaded using the basic Add/Remove Applications or with the Synaptic Package Manager. The Software Updater provides updating for installed packages and Computer Janitor cleans up packages that are no longer needed. The Software Sources application allows user selection of the package download location.[3]
Ubuntu developers set as a goal:
"...there should be one obvious mechanism for installing, removing, and updating software in Ubuntu, with a self-evident name and an interface anyone can use. There should be a coordinated system for developers and enthusiasts to improve the usefulness of descriptions and other metadata for software packages. The software updates interface should be honed to maximize the voluntary installation of updates across the millions of computers on which Ubuntu is installed. And projects and vendors whose software is packaged for Ubuntu should be encouraged to provide links to their software’s presence in the Software Store, instead of command-line installation instructions."[3]
Canonical introduced the Software Center gradually starting with Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) with complete functionality expected by Ubuntu 11.10, in October 2011. As of May 2011, the plan has mostly been completed:[3]
- October 2009 - version 1.0.2 shipped with Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala)
- Introduced a new simple interface for locating, installing, and removing software, with better security based on PolicyKit instead of gksudo.[3]
- April 2010 - version 2.0.2 shipped with Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) LTS
- The Software Center added lists of non-application packages in a simplified manner and also provide subcategories for applications and Personal Package Archives.[3]
- October 2010 - version 3.0.4 shipped with Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat)
- Allowed users to purchase software and showed a history of past installations, removals and purchases, including undoing specific changes.[3][4]
- April 2011 - version 4.0 shipped with Ubuntu 11.04 (Natty Narwhal)
- Added user rating and reviewing software, and the ability to see ratings and reviews of other participating Ubuntu users.[3][5]
- October 2011 - Ubuntu 11.10 (Oneiric Ocelot)
- Software Center's fifth version was rewritten in GTK3, improving design (better integration with system theme, promoting banner added, nicer listing of apps), start-up time was improved too. Software Center was partially prepared for touch control by including larger icons. Software Center also brought Unity Launcher integration, sorting by ratings and system requirements for applications.[6] Some GDebi technology was also integrated to improve speed when handling .deb files.[7]
- April 2012 - Ubuntu 12.04 (Precise Pangolin)
- Ubuntu Software Center gained new monochrome elements.[8] Canonical created a web based developer platform to help programmers to create applications for Ubuntu.[9] Software Center included a new category: "Books and magazines", ability to show video presentations of paid applications and multiple screenshots per one app.[10] And also added progress bar support for Software Centre.[11]
On 19 December 2011 an online edition of the Ubuntu Software Center was released, the Ubuntu Apps Directory. The web store shows the same content as the Software Center application, with a download button that opens the application if running Ubuntu or a link to download Ubuntu itself if running a different operating system.[12]
Release history
The application was initially known as Ubuntu Software Store. The initial version (0.1) was released on 21 August 2009.[13] The package was renamed the Ubuntu Software Center in version 0.4.0 on 25 September 2009 following a discussion with Ubuntu community members. In most English-speaking countries outside the USA it is known as the Ubuntu Software Centre.[2]
See also
References
External links
|
|---|
| | | General | |
|---|
| | | People | |
|---|
| | | Derivatives | |
|---|
| | | Software | |
|---|
| | | Support | |
|---|
| | | Fonts | |
|---|
| | | Media | |
|---|
| | | Related software | |
|---|
|
