Ubuntu and its related distros like Elementary, Mint, and Pop!_OS have access to an enormous software library. There are times when a particular program may not be available in an official repository or is lagging behind in updates. Ubuntu developed Personal Package Archives (PPA) as a way to easily create small personal repositories to deliver software that either doesn’t qualify for the official repos or that the developer may not wish to release there. While PPAs have waned in popularity as Flatpak and Snap have received more attention, there are still many great PPAs available.
As always, be cautious and use common sense when installing software from non official sources.
The PPAs listed below are intended to give the latest stable version. Newer but unstable software may be available in beta channels. The commands below need only to be copy and pasted in the command line.
Cinnamon
The Linux Mint built this desktop environment in response to Unity and the Gnome 3 mess. It offers a traditional desktop with an application launcher menu in the bottom left along with a task manager bar. This PPA will give Ubuntu users the latest Cinnamon software just like Mint users enjoy.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y cinnamonConky
A cool looking system monitor, Conky is endlessly customizable. Its the choice of Linux ricers everywhere.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:teejee2008/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y conky-managerDarktable
Darktable is an open source application for photography management and RAW developer. If you do photography, you need Darktable. This is not an official PPA from Darktable. Darktable officially uses openSUSE’s Open Build Service.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/darktable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y darktableFirefox and Thunderbird
Mozilla has one PPA that includes both the web browser Firefox and the email client Thunderbird.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mozillateam/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y firefox
sudo apt install -y thunderbirdHandbrake
Handbrake converts audio and video files into numerous different formats.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:stebbins/handbrake-releases
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y handbrakeKrita
Krita is a free and open source painting application.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kritalime/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y kritaKodi
Linux has its own media center: Kodi.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y kodiLibreOffice
LibreOffice is the de facto office suite for Linux. It rivals Microsoft Office in terms of features and compatibility.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y libreofficeLutris
Lutris is a FOSS gaming platform.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lutris-team/lutris
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y lutrisNvidia Drivers
Nvidia graphics are the scourge of Linux. The open source drivers manage but the proprietary drivers will offer better performance.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
sudo apt updateConclusion
Do you have a favorite or useful PPA? Let us know in the comments below.