No software Manager

bscho · 01-02-2013, 01:09 PM

I have just loaded Mint 13 KDE3. I have a notebook HP635.

The Software Manager does not work. As user or, as root.

The ikon just bounces and nothing is displayed. I have loaded LAMP
which work fine. I need to use Quanta. Can someone help on fixing the problem
or, at least help me install Quanta from the terminal?

Can I get to the software manager from a terminal?

corp769 · 01-02-2013, 02:25 PM

Linux mint uses apt-get; Have you tried running apt-get from the command line and seeing what happens? Please do, and report back with any warnings, errors, output, etc if you can, thanks!

bscho · 01-02-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corp769

Linux mint uses apt-get; Have you tried running apt-get from the command line and seeing what happens? Please do, and report back with any warnings, errors, output, etc if you can, thanks!

The terminal command gives 15 commands and 12 Options I will go through these and let you know. There are no errors.

Thanks for your help.

corp769 · 01-02-2013, 04:16 PM

Err, I meant actually do something with apt-get :P

Try doing the following as root:

Code:

apt-get update

xenopeek · 01-03-2013, 04:37 AM

Not sure as to the cause, but I agree it would be a good idea to try upgrading so as to make sure you are running the latest available version of Software Manager. You can do so easily from the terminal with the following command (you can copy text to the terminal, see its Edit menu).

Code:

apt update && apt upgrade

The command will ask for your password, so note that on the terminal you get no feedback when typing your password (no characters appear, and neither does the cursor move).

273 · 01-03-2013, 05:11 AM

I may be wrong but I think the command required for Mint would be:

Code:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

Otherwise the second apt-get would fail.
I'm intrigued as to how you use the software manager "as user or as root"?

bscho · 01-03-2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 273

I may be wrong but I think the command required for Mint would be:

Code:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

Otherwise the second apt-get would fail.
I'm intrigued as to how you use the software manager "as user or as root"?

I log in as root, or login as a user. I will try what you have suggested.

xenopeek · 01-03-2013, 12:25 PM

apt is a Linux Mint tool, depending on which command you give it may invoke apt-get, aptitude or dpkg. And it does so with sudo automatically. "apt update && apt upgrade" is shorthand for "sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade"

bscho · 01-03-2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bscho

I log in as root, or login as a user. I will try what you have suggested.

I have used the code suggested it updates OK. Maybe you mean use the apt-get to look for Quanta? The star for software manager still does not work it bounces for a short time and then stops. Thanks for your help anyway.

Lennie · 01-03-2013, 12:42 PM

When a program doesn't start it is a good idea to start it from the terminal to see what error it gives. To find out what command is used to launch the program:

Code:

cd /usr/share/applications 
ls | grep software
cat <name of software-manager.desktop>

Look for the line starting with 'Exec=' and copy the rest of that line to the terminal. Post the output here.

bscho · 01-03-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lennie

When a program doesn't start it is a good idea to start it from the terminal to see what error it gives. To find out what command is used to launch the program:

Code:

cd /usr/share/applications 
ls | grep software
cat <name of software-manager.desktop>

Look for the line starting with 'Exec=' and copy the rest of that line to the terminal. Post the output here.

I do not know the name of the software manager is. I tried what you suggested and
got syntex error near unexpected token "newline"

273 · 01-03-2013, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bscho

I log in as root, or login as a user. I will try what you have suggested.

I wasn't aware that Mint enabled the root account, never mind allowing it to log into an X session.
The "sudo" I posted is required when running apt as a "normal" account.
How much have you modified your install?

Lennie · 01-03-2013, 01:44 PM

The first two commands you can just copy-paste (ctrl + shift + v to paste in terminal)

Code:

cd /usr/share/applications 
ls | grep software

The third command depends on the output of the second command. You will get the name of one or more file(s). The command should be like:

Code:

cat filename

bscho · 01-03-2013, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 273

I wasn't aware that Mint enabled the root account, never mind allowing it to log into an X session.
The "sudo" I posted is required when running apt as a "normal" account.
How much have you modified your install?

You enter root by entering root at the password prompt. I have not modified anything. You then do not need sudo on the command line.

273 · 01-03-2013, 01:57 PM

So you followed something like the following then?
http://www.ehow.com/how_10044870_root-linux-mint.html
I don't mean to label the point but it seems you modified your system from the default, and that may have a bearing on the problems you are having.
Apologies if Mint has changed the policy on root login.