Go back to topic: Installing Software in Qubes (all methods)
| [/details] | [/details] |
| Install as if you were on an app qube with the methods in the section above. | Install as if you were on an app qube with the methods in the section above. <a name="testinganchors" class="anchor" href="#testinganchors"></a> |
| > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! (bad security practice) | > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! (bad security practice). [There are ways of automating](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/update-scripts-for-ms-teams-zoom-or-chrome-etc-in-standalone-qube/16881/5) them but they are not trivial. |
| Check the listed methods for installing it. | Check the listed methods for installing it. > **:scream: The official instructions are too complicated?** > Instead search on your favorite search engine for the following and repeat: > - how to install _______ on Fedora > - how to install _______ on Debian > > *And pick whichever is easier* -- with a suspicious mind, of course |
| | install on Fedora | fedora template | [jump to guide](#installing-in-template-qube-3) | |
| | | | `sudo apt install _____` | debian template | [jump to guide](#installing-in-template-qube-3) |
| > **:scream: The official instructions are too complicated?** > Instead search on your favorite search engine for the following and repeat: > - how to install _______ on Fedora > - how to install _______ on Debian > > *And pick whichever is easier* -- with a suspicious mind, of course |
| | **If you find something like...** | | | **If you find something like...** | Then you install in... | Instructions | |
| | `flatpak` | app qube | [jump to guide](# | | `flatpak` | app qube | [jump to guide](#flatpak-6) |
| ### | ### Flatpak |
| [Standalone qubes](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/standalone-and-hvm/) are dedicated qubes. They are good if you want to install random software that you don't trust to be installed on your main | [Standalone qubes](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/standalone-and-hvm/) are dedicated qubes. They are good if you want to install random software that you don't trust to be installed on your main templates, only really need to use in a single qube. > :bulb: **Want this software in 2+ qubes?** > If you want to have this software made available for multiple qubes, then you may want to consider cloning a template and installing all of that there. See an example comment of this [here](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991/14). |
| | install on Fedora | fedora template | [jump to guide]( | | install on Fedora | fedora template | [jump to guide](#installing-in-template-qube-3) | `sudo dnf install _____` | fedora template | [jump to guide](#installing-in-template-qube-3) | install on Debian | debian template | [jump to guide](#installing-in-template-qube-3) | `sudo apt install` | debian template | [jump to guide](#installing-in-template-qube-3) |
| | `flatpak` | app qube | [jump to guide]( | | `flatpak` | app qube | [jump to guide](#flatpack-6) | `snap` | app qube | [jump to guide](#snap-5) |
| | `.deb` | debian standalone | [jump to guide]( | | `.deb` | debian standalone | [jump to guide](#installing-in-a-dedicated-qube-standalone-qube-7) | `.rpm` | fedora standalone | [jump to guide](#installing-in-a-dedicated-qube-standalone-qube-7) |
| --- > :stop_sign: **Stop reading here** > What follows are the reference material that is linked to in the above table ----- |
| Installing software in Qubes OS can be a daunting experience. This guide's goal is to serve as a crossroad sign to help you navigate this landscape.
| Installing software in Qubes OS can be a daunting experience. This guide's goal is to serve as a crossroad sign to help you navigate this landscape. [details="Note for users coming from Windows or MacOS"] |
| Looking for a music player or a video player? Just search for it. Most likely all your app qubes are running the Fedora Linux "version", so you search: `best music player for fedora` and you;ve got your answer.
| Looking for a music player or a video player? Just search for it. Most likely all your app qubes are running the Fedora Linux "version", so you search: `best music player for fedora` and you;ve got your answer. [/details] |
| > | > Because Qubes and Linux are diverse, you'll have various methods to install the same thing. > Some are easier and some harder. ## Which installation ways do you see on the official website? |
| | install on Fedora | fedora template | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube- | | install on Fedora | fedora template | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube-4) | `sudo dnf install _____` | fedora template | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube-4) | install on Debian | debian template | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube-4) | `sudo apt install` | debian template | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube-4) |
| | `flatpak` | app qube | | `snap` | app qube | | | `flatpak` | app qube | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#flatpack-7) | `snap` | app qube | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#snap-6) |
| | `.deb` | debian standalone | | `.rpm` | fedora standalone | | | `.deb` | debian standalone | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-a-dedicated-qube-standalone-qube-8) | `.rpm` | fedora standalone | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-a-dedicated-qube-standalone-qube-8) |
| ## (Win/Mac users) Software not available on Linux? If you're used proprietary tool like Microsoft office or Photoshop, you won't be able to run them on your regular app qubes (though you can [run Windows on Qubes](http://qubes-os.org/doc/windows/), but it's a subpar experience). Fortunately, *there are easy ways to find alternatives:* * **AlternativeTo** [AlternativeTo.net](https://alternativeto.net/software/adobe-photoshop/?platform=linux) is a website that lets you find alternatives to software. Make use of the filters to look for software compatible on Linux (and preferably with open source license). *example: [Photoshop open source alternatives on Linux](https://alternativeto.net/software/adobe-photoshop/?license=opensource&platform=linux)* * **Search Engine** Looking for a music player or a video player? Just search for it. Most likely all your app qubes are running the Fedora Linux "version", so you search: `best music player for fedora` and you;ve got your answer. ## Which options do you get? Coming from Windows or MacOS, you're probably used to download a file and run it to install. Because Qubes is diverse, you'll have various methods. > :information_source: **Note** > You will have to choose 1. **Visit the official website for the software** Check the listed methods for installing it. if you don't find, look on a search engine for `how to install _______ on Fedora`. 2. **Install according to table bellow** Based on the instalation instructions you'll have a different method of installing and a different place where to install (app qube, template, standalone qube). > :bulb: **It is possible many apply** > Generally you should choose the first on the list bellow. | **If you find something like...** | The you install in... | Instructions | |-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------| | install on Fedora | fedora template | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube-2) | `sudo dnf install _____` | fedora template | [jump to guide](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube-2) | install on Debian | debian template | | `sudo apt install` | debian template | | | `flatpak` | app qube | | `snap` | app qube | | | | | `.deb` | debian standalone | | `.rpm` | fedora standalone | > **:scream: The official instructions are too complicated?** > Instead search on your favorite search engine for the following and repeat: > - how to install _______ on Fedora > - how to install _______ on Debian > > *And pick whichever is easier* -- with a suspicious mind, of course | |
| ### Snap Read more at [Installing Snap Packages](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/#installing-snap-packages) (official documentation). Updates [should be done automatically](https://snapcraft.io/docs/getting-started#heading--refreshing) but you should double-check this. ### Flatpack | |
| > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! Plus, you'll have to figure out a way to know when there are updates. This bad security practice means it will probably be outdated for a long time.
| > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! Plus, you'll have to figure out a way to know when there are updates. This bad security practice means it will probably be outdated for a long time. |
| - | - **When software is already available in template's package manager** <kbd>**difficulty**: "easy" </kbd><kbd>recommended way (if possible)</kbd> Just follow the [official documentation](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/#installing-software-from-default-repositories) or see a practical example [here](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/9992/1). - **When software is available as an additional package repository only** <kbd>**difficulty**: medium </kbd> Follow it on the official documentation: [How to Install Software | Installing software from other sources](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/#installing-software-from-other-sources). Examples include [installing signal](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/5221/1). |
| Just follow the [official documentation](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/) or | Just follow the [official documentation](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/) or see a practical example [here](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/9992/1). |
| - `pip install` in template - https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/external-repositories-pip-snap-appimage-persistent-installations-in-template-appvm/561/ | - `pip install` in template - https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/external-repositories-pip-snap-appimage-persistent-installations-in-template-appvm/561/4 (**Note** if using pip, you're probably better off installing it in an *app qube* with a [python virtual environment](https://docs.python.org/3/library/venv.html)) |
| > :warning: Updates are simple but manual (one click for `qube apps` and one-command for `snap packages`. | |
| Read more at [Installing Snap Packages](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/#installing-snap-packages) (official documentation) | Read more at [Installing Snap Packages](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/#installing-snap-packages) (official documentation). Updates [should be done automatically](https://snapcraft.io/docs/getting-started#heading--refreshing) but you should double-check this. |
| [Qube Apps](https://micahflee.com/2021/11/introducing-qube-apps/) - developed by Micah Lee, a trusted community member. | [Qube Apps](https://micahflee.com/2021/11/introducing-qube-apps/) - developed by Micah Lee, a trusted community member. > :warning: Updates **are manual** but just one-click. - **When an [AppImage](https://appimage.github.io/) is available**. Just download the AppImage and [follow the installation instructions](https://docs.appimage.org/introduction/quickstart.html#ref-how-to-run-appimage). > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! Plus, you'll have to figure out a way to know when there are updates. This bad security practice means it will probably be outdated for a long time. |
| > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! (bad security practice)
| > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! (bad security practice) |
| Just follow the [official documentation](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/) or se a practical example [here]( | Just follow the [official documentation](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/) or se a practical example [here](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/9992/1). |
|  |
| ## Installing in a | ## Installing in Template qube A [template qube](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/templates/) is like a boilerplace for app qubes based on it. When you install a piece of software on it all qubes based on the template will also get that piece of software. When you install it like this, you get updates via [routine updates](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-update/#routine-updates) (normal way of updating). |
| > :warning: This is for **advanced users only** | > :warning: This is for **advanced users only**. Updates are manual. |
| ## Installing in | ## Installing in App qube App qubes are your regular qubes (e.g. `personal` or `work` qubes). If you install like this the application will only be available in that [app qube](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/glossary/#app-qube) where you installed it. |
| [Qube Apps](https://micahflee.com/2021/11/introducing-qube-apps/) - developed by Micah Lee, a trusted community member.
## Installing in a dedicated qube ( | [Qube Apps](https://micahflee.com/2021/11/introducing-qube-apps/) - developed by Micah Lee, a trusted community member. [details="Other methods (advanced)"] TODO usermode dnf / deb packages. [/details] ## Installing in a dedicated qube (standalone qube) [Standalone qubes](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/standalone-and-hvm/) are dedicated qubes. They are good if you want to install random software that you don't trust to be installed on your main templates and only really need to use in a single qube. It's very flexible. The only downside really is it occupies a lot of space (like regular templates) but none of the advantages of splitting that space among app qubes. |
| - **install like a template** | - [**install like a template**](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-template-qube-2) |
| - **install like an app qube** Install as if you were on an app qube with the methods in the section above. | - [**install like an app qube**](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-all-methods/9991#installing-in-app-qube-3) Install as if you were on an app qube with the methods in the section above. <div data-theme-toc="true"> </div> |
| ## Installing in a dedicated | ## Installing in a dedicated qube (versatile) Standalone qubes are dedicated qubes. If you want to install random software that you don't trust to be installed on your main templates and only really need to use in a single qube, this is probably the way to go. It's very flexible. The only downside really is it occupies a lot of space (like regular templates) but none of the advantages of splitting that space among app qubes. Regardless, the security isolation and flexibility may make this a way to go for very particular pieces of software. - **Install individual `.deb` or `.rpm`** that you download form a website. See how to do this here: https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/2890/1 > :warning: Updates **are manual** and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! (bad security practice) - **install like a template** You can install stuff as if you were in a template see the first section - **install like an app qube** Install as if you were on an app qube with the methods in the section above. |
| - [ | - [recommended / "easy"] **When software is already available in template's package manager** Just follow the [official documentation](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/) or se a practical example [here]([TODO](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/9992/1). - [medium] **When software is available as an additional package repository only** -- example https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/5221/1 [details="other methods (advanced)"] > :warning: This is for **advanced users only** Using the [updates proxy](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/how-to-install-software/#updates-proxy) to give software management programs internet access in the template. In case this software installs stuff in [non-persistent directories](https://www.whonix.org/wiki/Qubes#Qubes_Persistence) you'll need to use [bind-dirs](https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/bind-dirs/) those directories persist when starting an app qube based on the template. Examples of what can be achieved with this - `pip install` in template - https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/external-repositories-pip-snap-appimage-persistent-installations-in-template-appvm/561/4 [/details] |
| https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/ | https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/2890/1 |
| *(image credit: @deeplow, via public | *(image credit: @deeplow, via public domain, [original from pixabay](https://pixabay.com/vectors/signpost-road-sign-guidepost-575313/))* |
| ## Installing in your | ## Installing in your app qube |
| # :placard: Navigating the Waters: *Installing Software in Qubes* | |
|  |  *(image credit: @deeplow, via public domain [on pixabay](https://pixabay.com/vectors/signpost-road-sign-guidepost-575313/))* |
| <div align="center"> # :placard: Navigating the Waters <br>Installing Software in Qubes </div> Installing software in Qubes OS can be a daunting experience. This guide's goal is to serve as a crossroad sign to help you navigate this landscape.  | |
| - [ | - [reommended / "easy"] **When software is already available in template's package manager** |
| - **When software is available as an additional package repository only** -- example https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/5221
## Installing in your `app qube` | - [medium] **When software is available as an additional package repository only** -- example https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/5221 - [hard / not recommended] **Installing software via pip** in template - [see here](https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/external-repositories-pip-snap-appimage-persistent-installations-in-template-appvm/561/4) ## Installing in your `app qube` |