I am a long time Windows user, I have just installed Ubuntu and I am confused about the software program install process, .tar etc??
That’s one of the first thing new users to Linux realize when switching from Windows to Linux, installing programs is not as easy on Linux. Installing programs on Windows is pretty simple all you have to do is click on the .exe file and follow the directions and your finished. Installing programs on Ubuntu is usually more than a one step process and I have to admit can be frustrating at times.
The easiest way to install anything on Ubuntu is through the Synaptic Package Manager which can be found at System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager. Search for the application you want to install and right click on that program you want to install and “Mark for installation”. Click “Apply” and programs that are marked will begin to install.
But what about the .tar files? Here’s a great article on how to install anything in Ubuntu. If your still stuck than do a Google search on the application you want to install on Ubuntu for example, “How to install ABC on Ubuntu”.