Topic: Why are there no resources for complete beginners to Linux?
Catherine !TGirlYJKXM started this discussion 9 years ago#63,657
I installed Ubuntu onto my Samsung Chromebook via Crouton following a guide tutorial I found on YouTube and when I go to install software via the Software Center it gives me an Authentication Error. I've been Googling my ass off and the results that come up with people in similar predicaments only have insight as if you know everything there is about Linux. Funny how these people would most likely tell you to Google when Googling these issues give you nothing and no insight into how to resolve the issue.
Does anyone here have the experience on how to fix the issue of Authentication Errors when trying to install software via the Software Center?
Anonymous B double-posted this 9 years ago, 3 minutes later, 19 minutes after the original post[^][v]#795,307
Also install Elementary OS
Meta joined in and replied with this 9 years ago, 1 minute later, 21 minutes after the original post[^][v]#795,308
In general, Linux users fall into two groups: 1337 H4X0R types and Marxist types who religiously use FOSS on principle. These often overlap (like Richard Stallman).
Usually people who install Linux are already pretty technically advanced (especially back in the old days before Ubuntu) so I think on most of these forums it's assumed that you're above-average with computers.
> Does anyone here have the experience on how to fix the issue of Authentication Errors when trying to install software via the Software Center?
I haven't run into this problem myself. This https://askubuntu.com/questions/464077/authentication-error-when-trying-to-install-or-uninstall-using-ubuntu-software-c looks like it might be relevant, the person asking installed Ubuntu with Crouton on a Chromebook as well. I haven't used Crouton myself but apparently it can be problematic, maybe because the Chromebook was designed specifically NOT to have its software be messed with.
The fix suggested:
I was faced with the same problem and the following solution fixed my case:
check whether you have policykit-1-gnome installed. (I only had policykit-1 installed before). If not, install it using apt-get.
run /usr/lib/policykit-1-gnome/polkit-gnome-authentication-agent-1. Now try to start software center from launcher and software should be able to be installed successfully.
add /usr/lib/policykit-1-gnome/polkit-gnome-authentication-agent-1 to your startup applications. press super key and search "startup applications" in all programs. Open it and click "add" to add this command line.
Good luck.
The fix above looks easy to try.
Meta double-posted this 9 years ago, 3 minutes later, 25 minutes after the original post[^][v]#795,309
@OP
Also Catherine if you know which program you want to install, apt-get is a LOT faster than the Software Center. To use it just open the terminal and type sudo apt-get install [program] and hit enter.
Like if you wanted to install Lynx (a text-only browser) you'd just:
1. open terminal
2. type
sudo apt-get install lynx
3. hit enter
4. it'll say what packages it needs to install and how much disk space, etc, and ask if you want to install
5. hit "y"
6. done! :)
The whole process takes less than 10 seconds.
You should get comfortable with the terminal because you will be using it a lot in Linux.
(Edited 5 minutes later.)
Catherine !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 9 years ago, 14 minutes later, 39 minutes after the original post[^][v]#795,310
@previous (Meta)
I know about that method, I just tend to not know about the name of the software.
@795,308 (Meta)
That is one of the links I went to and I have no idea how to check for policykit. And to make matters worse, I think I forgot my password for the terminal.
@795,306 (B)
I'll try this if I could remember my password when it prompts me.
Catherine !TGirlYJKXM (OP) double-posted this 9 years ago, 32 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^][v]#795,320
@795,306 (B)
I ran this command and then tried to install something from the software center and it didn't work. Still getting that error message.
Anonymous D joined in and replied with this 9 years ago, 7 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^][v]#795,321
that's factually incorrect
Anonymous D double-posted this 9 years ago, 13 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^][v]#795,322
@795,308 (Meta)
I don't think that is true unless by technically advanced you mean capable of installing an os. I think most Linux and especially ubuntu users just want to not pay for an OS or they want better performance
Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 9 years ago, 1 hour later, 2 hours after the original post[^][v]#795,328