Aptitude vs. apt-get

[Steven Vollom]

On Thursday 13 August 2009 04:13:36 pm clay weber wrote:
> Steven Vollom wrote:
> > What are the differences between the two?  I typed in sudo apt-get
> > install updates
>
> If you typed in EXACTLY 'sudo apt-get install updates', then you WILL
> get something wrong as the syntax and command for what you are doing is
> incorrect.
>
> when using apt, the command syntax is this:
> 'sudo apt-get <do-some-action> <some-packagename>'
>
> so in the command you used above, you are telling apt to install a
> package with the name 'updates', which of course does not exist.

When I use sudo aptitude install update it produced work.  I am confused a bit 
here still, because I thought I used the term updates with aptitude, but 
because it worked, I assume it was just update.
>
> so, some apt commands to remember:
>
> sudo apt-get update (no 'S') will update the package list and look for
> updates

Does this means all applications that I have installed?  It is just searching 
for updates, then, is that right?
>
> sudo apt-get dist-upgrade will install updated packages

And this orders the installation.  Is that correct?
>
> sudo apt-get install <name-of-package> will install said package you
> specify

Can this be used to install a GUI application too.  It seems like I have done 
that many times, but I realize I should always use kdesudo for GUI's.
>
> This is somewhat simplified as there are many more options that can be
> used, but for daily use these 3 are basically all you need most of the
> time if you choose the command-line method.
>
> But really, without a better understanding of file paths and proper
> syntax, Synaptic or KPackageKit are much better suited for you. Baby
> steps are better. Get a complete handle on one thing before jumping
> somewhere else.

I am getting comfortable using the CLI for this purpose.  You have answered 
many questions I needed to ask but did not realize it.  Thanks very much.  
This is a wonderful reply.

This was a perfect reply.  I really learned from it.

Steven