Like the previous user suggested, you will have to utilize the "sudo" command. Let us assume you are a sudoer (i.e. listed in /etc/sudoers). # if you want to install mysql server sudo apt-get install mysql-server # if you want to uninstall mysql (but keep the configuration files) sudo apt-get remove mysql-server # uninstall mysql and also its configuration files sudo apt-get remove --purge mysql-server source: <a href="http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/apt-howto/ch-apt-get.en.html#s-remove">http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/apt-howto/ch-apt-get.en.html#s-remove</a> now, others can suggest on whether it is best to use apt-get or aptitude. <div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 10:22 AM, Vladimir N. Indik <<a href="mailto:vladimir.indik@gmail.com">vladimir.indik@gmail.com</a>> wrote: <blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">Use apt-get. man apt-get 2008/6/1 Dave Rogers <<a href="mailto:derogers@rogers.com">derogers@rogers.com</a>>: <div><div></div><div class="Wj3C7c">> My install/remove programs is not working. It shows the programs and lets > me select an action but when it attempts to remove or add it freezes. Any > suggestions? I am a new user to Ubuntu and moved from Windows two weeks > ago. Help! > > Thanks, > Dave Rogers > </div></div>> -- > ubuntu-users mailing list > <a href="mailto:ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com">ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com</a> > Modify settings or unsubscribe at: > <a href="https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users" target="_blank">https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users</a> > > -- С уважением, Индик Владимир Инженер группы сопровождения прикладных систем Сервисный центр Инфосистемы Джет телефон: 1796 e-mail: <a href="mailto:indik@jet.msk.su">indik@jet.msk.su</a> -- ubuntu-users mailing list <a href="mailto:ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com">ubuntu-users@lists.ubuntu.com</a> Modify settings or unsubscribe at: <a href="https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users" target="_blank">https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users</a> </blockquote></div>