The Universe Repository in Ubuntu [Enable, Install, Disable]

The Universe Repository is a perfect archetype of Ubuntu serving as a cornerstone of accessibility. It is a warehouse including a wide range of third-party software packages, libraries, and tools that are open source, and maintained on a community basis. The users realize the potential of the universe repository in Ubuntu when access to the software beyond the ones available in the main repository becomes quintessential.

Key Takeaways

  • Learning about The Universe Repository.
  • Enabling a Universe Repository Using CLI and GUI.
  • Disabling a Universe Repository Using Terminal and GUI.
  • Getting Along with Necessary Commands for the Universe Repository Configuration.

Requirements

  • Root Access for Universe Repository Configuration.
  • Access to the Ubuntu Terminal.

Process Flow Chart

[Distro Used Throughout the Tutorial: Ubuntu 22.04]

The universe repository enable install disable Process flowchart

What is Universe Repository in Ubuntu?

There are four basic repositories in Ubuntu: Universe, Multiverse, Main, and Restricted. Of them, the standard repository is the Universe repository. Maintaining strictly by the community, it exercises providing free and open-source software to Linux users.

The APT Universe Repository Configuration in Ubuntu

Located at the heart of the Ubuntu ecosystem, the Universe repository demands to be learned thoroughly by Linux practitioners. Therefore, as an advocate, I will now provide an in-depth analysis of configuring the Universe repository by illustrating how to enable and disable the Universe repository and also display the installation processes of software within the Universe repository.

A. Enable the Universe Repository in Ubuntu

To work with the Universe repository, you must enable it as the foremost step. So, in the next section, I will mention two methods (using CLI and GUI) for this purpose.

You can read our Comparative Analysis of Methods to distinguish between these two methods and best pick one for your need.

Method 01: Using CLI to Enable the Universe Repository in Ubuntu

The CLI (Command Line Interface) lets you enable the Universe repository in very straightforward steps.

Steps to Follow >

➊ First, get access to your Ubuntu Terminal. [ Use shortcut: CTRL+ALT+T ]

➋ Secondly, type the following command and hit the ENTER button.

sudo add-apt-repository universe
EXPLANATION
  • sudo: For executing the command with superuser privilege.
  • add-apt-repository: The utility command for repository management.
  • universe: Telling the command to add the universe repository.
the universe repository in ubuntu is to enableIn the above image, you see that I am adding the universe repository to my system which also enables it at the same time.

➌ Now, run the below command.

sudo apt-get update
EXPLANATION
  • sudo: Granting superuser privilege.
  • apt-get: The command for repository addition/deletion/updation.
  • update: Denoting aptget to update the package index.

the system update after enable Ubuntu universe repositoryFor instance, the aforestated snap exemplifies that I have updated the system with the latest package information.

Now, you can further verify the installation and enabling of the Universe repository by utilizing a simple command mentioned below.

apt-cache search universe
EXPLANATION
  • apt-cache: Interact with package cache.
  • search: Argument used for searching specified package information.
  • universe: Query for fetching package list relating to the universe repository.
the apt search universe command to verify the enabling of universe repo in ubuntu So, in this screenshot, you spot that I have listed all the available software packages from the universe repository. And the smooth running of the command signifies that I have installed and enabled the apt universe repository successfully.

Method 02: Using GUI to Enable the Universe Repository

You can also make use of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for enabling the Universe repository.

Steps to Follow >

➊ Go to Software & Updates.ubuntu universe repository to enable via gui in software and updates➋ Now, redirect to Ubuntu Software.universe repo is being checked to enable via GUI➌ At this point, enter the user password for authentication.enter the password to authenticate to enable universe repository➍ Now, click on the Close button.

pressing close to update and enable universe repo

➎ Finally, click on Reload for updating the system cache.click on the reload button to finally enable universe repositoryHence, this will smoothly add and enable the universe repository to the system.

B. Install Software Packages from the Universe Repository in Ubuntu

Previously, I have referred that the Universe repository works as the storage of a vast amount of free and third-party software packages that are community maintained. Also, I have taught you to enlist the available packages from the Universe repository. Now, in this part, I will show you the illustration of the installation of packages.

Steps to Follow >

➊ At first, navigate to the Terminal.

➋ Now, type the following command.

sudo apt-get install antimony
EXPLANATION
  • sudo: Grants root privileges.
  • apt-get: The command line tool for managing repositories.
  • install: Specifies the installation of a software package.
  • antimony: The software to be installed.
Here, in the above image, I have installed software namely antimony from the universe repository.

➌ After that, type the below command and press ENTER.

apt list --installed | grep antimony
EXPLANATION
  • apt: The package management tool.
  • list: The command entity used to list available packages.
  • –installed: Specifies to enlist only the installed package from the universe repository.
  • | (Pipe): The pipe symbol sends the first command output to the second command.
  • grep: Searches for a pattern.
  • antimony: Name of the package.
the antimony package is verfied from universe repositoryThus, the aforementioned snapshot is a testament to my successful installation of software using the universe repository.

C. Disable the Universe Repository in Ubuntu

After successfully using the Universe repository, you may want to remove it. Well, this, you can do by following some easy steps. However, the latest versions of Ubuntu such as Ubuntu 22.04 do not entirely remove the repository. It only disables the repository from the system. Here, in this scope, I have mentioned two methods for undoing the enabling of the Universe repository.

You can read our Comparative Analysis of Methods to distinguish between these two methods and best pick one for your need.

Method 01: Using CLI to Disable the Universe Repository

The active nature of the Universe repository can be attenuated and that too using a single-line super simple command.

Steps to Follow >

➊ First, open the system terminal by pressing CTRL+ALT+T.

➋ Secondly, type the following command on your prompt.

sudo add-apt-repository --remove universe
EXPLANATION
  • sudo: For getting superuser attribute.
  • add-apt-repository: The standard apt command for adding/removing
  • –remove: Specifies the command to remove a repository.
  • universe: Denotes the universe repository to remove.
the universe repository is removed using command In the above image, you see the removal process of the universe repository which exactly disables it for the user to handle package management.

Method 02: Using GUI to Disable the Universe Repository

Likewise, you can achieve the disabling of the Universe repository via GUI. This visual depiction of Ubuntu lets you do it through the most easy procedures.

Steps to Follow >

➊ Go to Software & Updates and select Ubuntu Software.

➋ Now, uncheck the universe repository.the universe repo is unchecked via GUI to disable ➌ After that, enter the user password for authentication, and click Close.

➍ On an end note, click the Reload button for system updation.the ubuntu universe repository is finally disabled via GUI So, in the image, it’s apparent that I have disabled the universe repository with ease.

Comparative Analysis of Methods

The below table provides you with an essence of the methods that I have discussed regarding the Universe repository enabling and disabling.

Tasks Methods Pros Cons
Enable Universe Repository Method 1

(Using CLI)

  •  Effective and faster.
  • Requires single-line commands.
  • Novice users may find it difficult.
  • Little mistakes can cause unwanted situations.
Method 2

(Using GUI)

  • Easy and simple for all.
  • Prone to less error.
  • Very slow.
  • Less efficient.

 

Disable Universe Repository Method 1

(Using CLI)

  • Friendly for advanced users.
  • Requires simple commands.
  • Additional command requirements may discomfit users at times.
Method 2

(Using GUI)

Easy for beginners.
  • Not a very efficient method.

The aforementioned methods basically require the user level for selection. For instance, the professional user will adopt the CLI-based methods whereas the beginner will feel comfortable using the GUI-centric configuration methods. So, it really depends on personal choice.

Conclusion

In this feature, I have attempted to discuss the Universe repository in Ubuntu. In addition, I have attached numerous hands-on examples for you to get a solid grasp on the topic. I strongly believe that you will be able to tweak the universe repository for your necessary fulfillment of the software package handling and make a mark for being an advanced Linux user.

People Also Ask

Is the Ubuntu Universe repository safe?
Like the others, the Universe repository is secure. This is because anything in the Ubuntu repository goes through scrutiny and then gets approval from the Ubuntu devs.

How to delete the universe repository in Ubuntu?
You can remove any unnecessary universe repository by typing and running the command sudo apt-add-repository -r universe. But remember to run the sudo apt update command for the repository index updation. Also, prefix the commands with sudo to earn sudo/root user privilege.

Is the Universe Repository useful?
In Linux distros, the apt package management tool provides users with the usefulness of handling software repositories. However, all the necessary packages are not always present in the official repositories. So, the universe repository is handy since it comes with unofficial software packages that are not made available by the Ubuntu team.  

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Md Masrur Ul Alam

Assalamu Alaikum, I’m Md Masrur Ul Alam, currently working as a Linux OS Content Developer Executive at SOFTEKO. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). With an inquisitive mind, I have always had a keen eye for Science and Technolgy based research and education. I strongly hope this entity leverages the success of my effort in developing engaging yet seasoned content on Linux and contributing to the wealth of technical knowledge. Read Full Bio

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