Ubuntu Software Center (previously called Ubuntu Software Store, originally codenamed AppCenter) is a computer programfor browsing, installing and removing software. Based upon theGNOME application, gnome-app-install, which is similar in function and appearance, it serves as a GTK+ graphical user interface front-end to the Advanced Packaging Tool, part of theDebian package management system. Ubuntu Software Center can also be used to add repositories. It is written in the Python programming language.^[1][2]

[edit]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 Update Manager 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]

The aim is to introduce the Software Center gradually starting with Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala with more complete functionality expected by Ubuntu 11.04, in April 2011. The plan is to introduce changes as follows:^[3]

October 2009 - Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala

Introduce a new simple interface for locating, installing, and removing software, with better security based on PolicyKitinstead of gksudo.^[3]

April 2010 - Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx LTS

The Software Center will replace Synaptic, Software Sources, Gdebi, and possibly the Update Manager. This will include finding, installing, and uninstalling non-graphical software such as utilities, fonts and database software. A system will be included using Launchpad to allow interactive software ratings and reviews.^[3]

October 2010 - Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick Meerkat

Integration of the ratings and review system from Launchpad into the Ubuntu Software Center, including the ability to purchase non-free software.^[3]

April 2011 - Ubuntu 11.04

Improve sharing and tracking of software within the Store, to allow lists of installed software by parameters such as license, cost, or maintenance timetable. Allow users to find software by seeing what their friends have installed and also downloading a package once for deployment on several computers. There will also be a history feature that will indicate past software installations, removals and purchases, which will allow specific changes to be undone. At this stage the application should allow finding and installing specialized packages, including fonts and screensavers.^[3]