Ubuntu introduces AppCenter to allow easy access to applications

Users of Ubuntu Linux know just how frustrating it can be to install applications and their required packages, as well as the dependencies required for said packages. The Ubuntu team plans to fix all that with the introduction of the AppCenter.

The AppCenter, which has already gotten its own page over at the Ubuntu Wiki, will be a single graphical interface within Ubuntu for package management. Of course, AppCenter is currently only a codename for the feature, and the team claims that the final name will be partly dependent on user testing, just like the design. The goal of this one-stop application installer is to combine the intuitiveness that the Add/Remove applications tool sports, mixing in the power of the Synaptic Package Manager, and the ease of use of Update Manager. The team hopes that this will, "make handling software easier, socially improve security, hopefully free space on the install CD, and provide a prominent showcase for Ubuntu and partner software." Currently in Ubuntu, the process of adding and removing software is a huge hassle. Most users will use "Add/Remove Applications" for installing/uninstalling graphical software, but it warns you to use the "Synaptic Package Manager" for more complicated needs. If the software isn't graphical, it must be installed and uninstalled via Synaptic. Update Manager is the usual route for installing Ubuntu system updates, but it instructs you to run Synaptic if any conflicts are encountered. For installing any Debian (.deb) packages, one must use gdebi. And, if you want to remove no-longer-needed software, you are asked to use Computer Janitor. Also, you can't forget "Software Sources" for configuring where many of these applications look for packages and software. The fact that many of these programs overlap in features causes people to have to spend more time learning the interface, and it wastes precious space on your CD, DVD, or Hard Drive. So, the Ubuntu team is creating the AppCenter to alleviate this overwhelming large array of installation options, many of which are too complicated for the ordinary computer user. The AppCenter's Wiki page also sports a few concept art drawings of what the AppCenter could look like.

Ubuntu Dev Team

Ubuntu AppCenter Concept - Home Panel

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By default, the program would launch into the home panel of the "Available Applications" section. The breadcrumb navigation in the concept images reminds me a lot of the breadcrumb navigation in iTunes. The home panel would show a list of all of the categories in which applications are classified.

Ubuntu Dev Team

Ubuntu AppCenter Concept - Category Panel

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Clicking a category would take you to the "Category Panel," which lists the most popular applications at the top, followed by a list of all the apps in that category.

Ubuntu Dev Team

Ubuntu AppCenter Concept - Application Panel

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Clicking an listed application would take you to the "Application Panel," which would display screenshots, pricing, title, description, as well as links to the application's website and the all important "Install" button. If the application is already installed, then there is a "Remove" button where the install button would normally be.

Ubuntu Dev Team

Ubuntu AppCenter Concept - In Progress Section

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The sidebar of the application not only sports the "Available Software" section, but "Installed Software" and "In Progress." The former is a list of all the install applications on your system, while the later shows a list of all applications currently being downloaded and installed. The Ubuntu team plans to introduce AppCenter in the next release of Ubuntu, 9.10.