Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin: Discovering a world of PPAs

If you want the latest software or the latest tweaks then a ‘Personal Package Archive’ (PPA) is the simplest and most effective way to get it up and running on your computer. PPAs are repositories hosted on Launchpad which you can use to install or upgrade packages that are not currently available in the official repositories. A PPA can be added from the command line or by using the graphical user interface and in this article we will be showing how to get started on the Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin.

So let’s begin …

Key Takeaways

Personal Package Archives (PPAs) are repositories hosted on Launchpad, which can be used to install or upgrade software packages not currently available in the official repositories. These can be added from the command line or using the graphical user interface in Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin.
There are three methods to install a PPA: via the Ubuntu Software Centre, using the command line, or using the Y PPA Manager. The Y PPA Manager is recommended for its search facility that allows users to find specific software or updates.
While PPAs offer advantages in terms of accessing ‘cutting edge’ software, they also come with potential issues and risks. Users are advised to be selective and do research before adding PPAs to their systems.

Installing a PPA

Personal Package Archives are not new. They have been around for a while and most PPAs are found by accident or by searching the web for a specific need. Each PPA will typically serve a specific software release (so over time you may find yourself installing multiple PPAs) and when found there are several different approaches to how you can install them.

NOTE:
If you are using a server, enjoy the benefits of pre-tested software or have a need for absolute desktop stability, then I would not use a PPA. ‘Cutting edge’ software has its advantages but it does come complete with ‘cutting edge’ issues …

Method 1: Add a PPA with the Ubuntu Software Centre

Open The Ubuntu Software Centre and from the top panel application Menu, choose ‘Edit’ and select ‘Software Sources’. From the Software Sources dialogue box choose ‘Other Software’:

Click ‘Add’ to launch the ‘software-properties-gtk’ dialogue box and where it states ‘APT line’ you should type in the address of the relevant PPA:

Once complete, choose ‘Add Source’ and authenticate yourself in the usual way.

Now close the relevant ‘Software Sources’ dialogue box and allow Ubuntu to update itself.

You are now free to search for and install applications from the appropriate PPA just like any other application available from the Software Centre. However, as the PPA is specific to the particular software you intend to install, you should be aware that the specific search results will be limited to that specific repository. By using this process the Software Centre does not search Launchpad itself …

Method 2: Using the command line

To install a PPA with the command line the process will require you to open Terminal and type:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:repository_details_here

Authenticate yourself and accept the repository as per the on screen instruction.

sudo apt-get update

Let your computer update your software sources with the new PPA information before installing the chosen software in the usual way:

sudo apt-get install software_name_here

Method 3: Using the Y PPA Manager

By comparison to the software center, the advantage of using the Y PPA Manager can be found within the search facility that allows you to find a particular piece of software or an update that you need. I think you will also find that it is a very simple tool to use:

You can access the program from the ‘Dash’ and open it as you would with any other software and by selecting the appropriate icon, adding a PPA is simple:

On top of this you can also search for the entire Launchpad database for additional PPAs:

However, before you begin I would quickly double-click the ‘settings’ icon and set your preferences which includes an indicator for the version of Ubuntu your are using:

Out of the three methods discussed above I would suggest using method 3 but this is ultimately down to personal preference and for this reason I will let you decide what is best for you.

Installing the Y PPA Manager …

To install the Y PPA Manager you will need to use the command line, but don’t worry it isn’t difficult, just follow these simple steps to get you started.
Open Terminal and type:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/y-ppa-manager

Your computer will now respond like so:

You are about to add the following PPA to your system:
Y PPA Manager

Info and feedback: http://www.webupd8.org/2010/11/y-ppa-manager-easily-search-add-remove.html

This PPA is for Y PPA Manager and also includes the latest YAD for Ubuntu Karmic, Lucid, Maverick and Natty (YAD is a dependency for Y PPA Manager): http://code.google.com/p/yad/

More info: https://launchpad.net/~webupd8team/+archive/y-ppa-manager
Press [ENTER] to continue or ctrl-c to cancel adding it

When asked press ‘ENTER’ to proceed.
Terminal will now execute your request and add the repository like so:

Executing: gpg --ignore-time-conflict --no-options --no-default-keyring --secret-keyring /tmp/tmp.xC7tBkCTF6 --trustdb-name /etc/apt/trustdb.gpg --keyring /etc/apt/trusted.gpg --primary-keyring /etc/apt/trusted.gpg --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80/ --recv 7B2C3B0889BF5709A105D03AC2518248EEA14886
gpg: requesting key EEA14886 from hkp server keyserver.ubuntu.com
gpg: key EEA14886: public key "Launchpad VLC" imported
gpg: Total number processed: 1
gpg:               imported: 1  (RSA: 1)

Now type:

sudo apt-get update

Your computer will now update its repository information, when the process has finished type:

sudo apt-get install y-ppa-manager

And the process will end like so:

Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
The following extra packages will be installed:
  aptitude launchpad-getkeys libboost-iostreams1.46.1 libcwidget3 ppa-purge
  yad
Suggested packages:
  aptitude-doc-en aptitude-doc tasksel debtags libcwidget-dev
The following NEW packages will be installed
  aptitude launchpad-getkeys libboost-iostreams1.46.1 libcwidget3 ppa-purge
  y-ppa-manager yad
0 upgraded, 7 newly installed, 0 to remove and 18 not upgraded.
Need to get 3,027 kB of archives.
After this operation, 9,369 kB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]?

Choose ‘Y to continue.
Well done, you have now installed the Y PPA Manager.

The no mess, no fuss PPA tour

So armed with the above information you are probably asking what can I look for and what can I extend ?

Well, a good place to start is with Ubuntu Tweak found at https://launchpad.net/ubuntu-tweak which is a tool ‘that makes it easy to configure your system and desktop settings’:

Released via PPA (and depending on your preferred method) you can install it like this:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak

Closely followed by the ‘cinnamon’ desktop. Arguably it is a fork of of the Gnome-Shell desktop but however you want to describe it, it has a growing ‘fanbase’ and the developers are doing a great job at taking a simpler, but more traditional desktop interface:

Personally I think Cinnamon is very nice and you can install it like so (when installed you can choose it from the login screen):

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gwendal-lebihan-dev/cinnamon-stable
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install cinnamon

On top of this you will find new and exciting updates for GIMP; Calibre; Libre Office; a huge selection of ‘Gnome 3 ware’ enhancements and devices; Unity ‘indicators’ and ‘notification’ tools; and some rather interesting developments such as: Sublime Text, and Geary (a fully featured SMTP email client) which can be installed like so:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:yorba/ppa
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install geary

So there is plenty to keep an eye on and as with everything on the internet ‘the search engine remains your friend’. So just before I finish-off, why not try discover some new features and styles that will enhance Gedit:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:ubuntu-on-rails/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install gedit-gmate

Once installed, just view Gedit preferences to see the additions and activate as required.

Caveats

And just before I leave you, for those of you who would like to do a little more research before jumping-in, you can read a very good post on this subject at http://askubuntu.com/questions/35629/are-ppas-safe-to-add-to-my-system-and-what-are-some-red-flags-to-watch-out or learn more from the source at https://launchpad.net/ or https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+ppas

Just remember:
‘Cutting edge’ software has its advantages but it does come complete with ‘cutting edge’ issues …
So to be safe, be selective

So until next time …
I hope that you continue to enjoy using Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin and PPAs

What is Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin?

Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, also known as Precise Pangolin, is a version of the Ubuntu operating system. LTS stands for Long Term Support, which means that this version of Ubuntu will receive updates and security patches for a longer period compared to regular releases. Precise Pangolin was released in April 2012 and was supported until April 2017.

What are PPAs and why are they important?

PPA stands for Personal Package Archive. It’s a software repository that allows developers to upload Ubuntu source packages to be built and published as an apt repository. This makes it easier for users to install and update new software or software versions not yet available in the official Ubuntu repositories.

How can I add a PPA to my Ubuntu 12.04 LTS?

To add a PPA to your Ubuntu system, you need to use the add-apt-repository command followed by the PPA’s location. For example, if you wanted to add the PPA ppa:example/ppa, you would open a terminal and type: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:example/ppa. After adding a PPA, you should update your package list using sudo apt-get update.

What is launchpad-getkeys and how do I use it?

Launchpad-getkeys is a script that allows you to import all missing GPG keys automatically. This is useful if you’re adding a lot of PPAs to your system. To use it, you need to install it first by typing sudo apt-get install launchpad-getkeys in a terminal. After it’s installed, you can import all missing keys by typing launchpad-getkeys in the terminal.

How can I remove a PPA from my Ubuntu 12.04 LTS?

To remove a PPA from your system, you can use the add-apt-repository command with the –remove option followed by the PPA’s location. For example, to remove the PPA ppa:example/ppa, you would type: sudo add-apt-repository –remove ppa:example/ppa in a terminal.

What is the difference between regular releases and LTS releases of Ubuntu?

Regular releases of Ubuntu are released every six months and are supported for nine months. LTS releases, on the other hand, are released every two years and are supported for five years. LTS releases are more stable and recommended for production environments.

How can I upgrade my Ubuntu 12.04 LTS to a newer version?

To upgrade your Ubuntu system to a newer version, you can use the do-release-upgrade command. Before upgrading, make sure to backup any important data. Also, remember that upgrading to a newer version might require more system resources.

What should I do if a PPA causes issues on my system?

If a PPA causes issues on your system, you can remove it using the add-apt-repository command with the –remove option. If the issues persist, you might need to purge the PPA using the ppa-purge command.

Can I use PPAs in other versions of Ubuntu?

Yes, you can use PPAs in other versions of Ubuntu. However, not all PPAs are compatible with all versions of Ubuntu. Always check the PPA’s page for compatibility information before adding it to your system.

What should I do if I get a GPG error when updating my package list?

If you get a GPG error when updating your package list, it means that you’re missing a public key for a repository. You can import the missing key using the apt-key command or by using the launchpad-getkeys script.