I never tried to install any of the available programs before. Today, I followed the instructions from the help section, did exactly like it said to (all of about 3 steps), clicked install, but nothing happens.

Am I missing something here?

What are you talking about? What software installation list? What help section? What distro? What software are you trying to install?

Being more descriptive will get you faster help.

We need to know what version of Linux, and how you are attempting to install software---eg the package manager in the menus. (it could be called "software center", "install applications", or a variety of other names.)

It's 10.1 LTS Lucid Linux

I go to Ubuntu software center/sound and video/(proram of choice)/ then I click install that's on the right hand side of the screen. Nothing happens.

I've also tried clicking on "more info" and then install from that window and still nothing happens.

I tried a few different programs and it's always the same.

The help tab at the top tells me to do everything I just described and nothing else.

After clicking on the Install button, you should see a 'Progress' Item with a spinner on the left-side. This indicates the app is being installed. Once installed, check on your main menu for a menu item to launch the app.

Remember, you must a member of the sudoer's list before you can install anything from the software center.

Attached Thumbnails

 

If you are not on the right list, I think there will be a prompt saying this.

merc*;

Are you the original installer? If so, then you have full admin privileges. When you attempt to use the SW center, you should be asked for your password. Check to be sure there is not a dialog box hiding somewhere.

Just to be sure we don't miss something-----In the software center, I think you have to select something and then click "install". You say that "nothing happens". Watch the screen and the disk access light carefully--also, watch the button when you click it---does it do anything?

This is Linux. Might be the software is installed and you dont know where it is gone and you might be thinking of icon of that software.
Go to software center and check the softwares you installed. You will not get the option to install again but you will get a option to remove it. This is not same to Windows Add/remove programs. And if you are not getting any thing after clicking install , then post the screen shot ......

"Just to be sure we don't miss something-----In the software center, I think you have to select something and then click "install". You say that "nothing happens". Watch the screen and the disk access light carefully--also, watch the button when you click it---does it do anything?"

I don't know what the disc access light is so I'm thinking I don't get that far. On the install button, it does change color for a minute. It greys out a little bit.

I don't get any window asking me for a password like when it comes up for the updates from update manager.

I did go to the list of programs already installed and recognized every one of them. The programs I'm wanting are definately not on that list.

What is the sudoer's list? Since I'm asking that question, it's a safe bet I'm probably not on it.

mercfocus

Did you install this older LONG TERM Support version of the older Ubuntu 10
( Ubuntu 12.4 is the current)


if so did you study any of the install documentation

things are done very differently on a Linux operating system that on MS windows

or

did someone else install this on the computer you are using

How do you access the Software Center?
Do you see the "spinner" when you click on install as shown in the image in the post by towheedm above?
Did you install Ubuntu yourself?
I'm surprised you are not asked for a password in the Software Center.

I access the software center from the applications. it's at the bottom of the list: accessories,games, graphics, internet, office sound and video, and Ubuntu software center. It's the only one that doesn't have a drop down arrow.

I didn't install it myself, but I do have full admin permissions on everything as far as I know. I don't get asked for any password in software center. The install just changes color a little bit when I click it.

I don't see any spinner or anything else happening when I click install. On my daughter's laptop, I loaded a newer version of Ubuntu onto that and when I was working with it to get it to work wirelessly, I was able to install stuff from it's software center like the terminal. I needed to do some command line for her Dell wireless card. I recall it was a 5100 something. I did a lot of it out of a book. I remember the installs went very smooth and there was something that indicated that was installing. I just don't remember what that was.

So far, I can't even find anything to suggest why I get absolutely nothing here. I'm typing this on Linux right now. Everything else works like saving files and the printer.

When you launch the Software center, it does not ask you for your password. It ask for the password only after you click on Install to install a package.

Try using the Synaptic Package Manager to install some package and see if that works. Synaptic WILL ask for your password when you start it.