New Linux user here. Is this really how I'm supposed to install apps on Linux?

mullvad.net/en/help/install-mullvad-app-linux

Trying to install VPN and these are the instructions Mullvad is giving me. This is ridiculous. There must be a more simple way. I know how to follow the instructions but I have no idea what I’m doing here. Can’t I just download a file and install it? I’m on Ubuntu.

TCB13,
@TCB13@lemmy.world avatar

This post is proof that Linux desktop isn’t as good, perfect and polished as everyone says it is. Stop living in the delusion.

gamma,
@gamma@programming.dev avatar

You’re deluded if you think that “everybody” let alone a large minority of people say that the Linux desktop is “good, perfect and polished”.

ChaosAD,

Do you even use Linux?

velxundussa,

As others have mentionned downloading the .deb and running it will also work, but I feel nobody gave your a tldr of why you may want to follow those instructions instead, so here it is:

Those instructions configure your package manager (apt) with a new repository for this application.

The upside to that is that anytime you will look for updates, this app will also get updated.


It’s a bit more work up front, but it can pay off when you have dozens of app updating as part of normal system operations.

Imagine a world where windows updates would also update all your software, that’s what this is.

bigkahuna1986,

My favorite part of this thread is everyone just saying copy and paste the commands so it will work. Like we should totally get users into the habit of running random commands off the net as root.

Icaria,

I mean I agree that this is a new user nightmare, but we’ve been conditioning people for 30 years to download and run random .EXE files as admin too.

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