Synaptic package manager VRS Ubuntu Softare Center

RiverGuy · 02-21-2011, 07:58 PM

This is my first Linux experience so probably at the prenewbie level. I have installed Xubuntu and played with it for a couple weeks. The question is about software download attempts from Ubuntu Software center. When I attempt to use it I get the error messages:

Failed to lock the package manager

Check if you are currently running another software management tool, e.g. Synaptic or aptitude. Only one tool is allowed to make changes at a time

The package indexes are currently changed by apt-get.

Does this mean that SPM is active and the Software Center will not function until I change enablement between the two? If so, how do I accomplish the task?

TobiSGD · 02-21-2011, 08:05 PM

You don't have to change anything. The only thing you can't do is run more than one package-manager (for example Synaptic and the Software Center) at the same time. Close Synaptic, and the Software Center should run fine.

frankbell · 02-21-2011, 09:26 PM

(Grin) I would close Ubuntu Software Center and run Synaptic, but that's just me.

RiverGuy · 02-21-2011, 10:27 PM

Thank you both for the reply, but I get this error message when spm seems to me to be completely closed. It is not on screen, bottom task bar, or in another window. I have closed it in every way I know except line commands, but still get the error messages describe above.

frankbell · 02-21-2011, 10:33 PM

Now that's weird. It makes sense to me that the OS would allow only one package manager (including apt-get and update manager) to run at a time.

I would suggest rebooting and trying again. If you still error out, open a terminal and run

Code:

sudo ps -A

.

Inspect the output for anything that looks like a package manager. If unsure how to interpret the command, paste the output of the command here. (Go to advance mode and surround it with a CODE wrapper--I think it's the # icon in advanced mode.)

TobiSGD · 02-22-2011, 02:13 AM

No need for sudo here, please use it only when necessary.

RiverGuy · 02-22-2011, 02:24 AM

Thanks to all for the responses. On reboot, the conflict disappeared, and then returned after a bit. It reminded me of windows updating process so I went looking and sure enough the file update system was set for automatic.....I just was not recognizing the icons as a conflict between the two managers. Set it to manual and all seems well. Problem solved.

Thanks
ds