I’ve been digging into remote desktop clients lately, and I’ve been using Remmina on my Ubuntu setup for quite a while. It’s decent for most tasks, but I heard there’s a newer version out there with some cool features that I really want to try out. However, the version in my current repository is pretty outdated, and I can’t seem to find a straightforward way to update it.
Now, I’ve done a bit of searching and found that some folks add PPAs (Personal Package Archives) to get newer versions of software, but I’m not entirely sure how to do that safely. I don’t want to mess up my system or introduce compatibility issues. Plus, I’ve heard some horror stories about broken packages and dependencies, which makes me a bit wary about trying it out myself.
I’ve thought about downloading the latest version directly from the Remmina GitHub or its official site, but that sounds like a whole other headache. I’m not too comfortable with building software from source, and I fear I might end up with a lot of errors and no way to fix them.
I also looked into Snap packages since I’ve heard they can be easier to handle, but I can’t find any definitive information on whether Remmina is available as a Snap or Flatpak and if it’s updated regularly in those formats.
So here I am, looking for some guidance from anyone who’s tackled this issue before. What’s the best way to get my Remmina updated without risking my smooth sailing Ubuntu experience? If you’ve managed to do this without any hiccups, I would love to hear about the steps you took. Are there specific PPAs that are reliable or any pitfalls to watch out for? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
To update Remmina on your Ubuntu setup without risking system stability, using a Personal Package Archive (PPA) is a common and generally safe method. First, you should ensure that your package list is current by running
sudo apt update
in the terminal. Then, you can add a reliable PPA that contains the latest version of Remmina. The most commonly recommended PPA is the one maintained by the Remmina developers themselves. You can add it by executing:sudo add-apt-repository ppa:remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next
. After adding the repository, runsudo apt update
again to refresh the package lists, and finally, executesudo apt install remmina
to install or upgrade the application. This process minimizes the risks associated with dependency issues, as the PPA is specifically tailored for Remmina updates.If you’re concerned about trying PPAs or building from source, another option is to consider using Snap packages. Remmina is indeed available as a Snap, which simplifies installation and updates. To check if Remmina is installed as a Snap and to install it if it’s not, you can use the command:
sudo snap install remmina
. Snap packages are containerized, meaning they run in an isolated environment, which helps avoid potential conflicts with your system’s native packages. Moreover, Snap will automatically keep Remmina updated to the latest version. This approach is less error-prone and allows you to enjoy the latest features without having to dive into source compilation or dealing with PPAs.How to Update Remmina Safely
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle with your Remmina version! Here’s a casual way to get that updated without breaking your system.
Using a PPA (Personal Package Archive)
So, adding a PPA is actually a pretty common way to get newer software on Ubuntu. Just make sure the PPA is reputable. One well-known PPA for Remmina is the
remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next
. Here’s how you can add it:Ctrl + Alt + T
to do this).Make sure to read any messages during the process, as they might give you clues if something goes off track.
Using Snap
If you wanna go the Snap route, Remmina is available as a Snap package! Just run this command:
Snaps are isolated, so they won’t mess with your system as much as PPAs might. They also get updated automatically, which is a plus!
Flatpak (If You Prefer)
If you’re into Flatpak, you can also check that out. First, you’ll need to install Flatpak if you haven’t:
After that, you can install Remmina with:
Just like Snap, Flatpaks are sandboxed and should keep your system clean.
In Summary
So, if you decide to go with a PPA, stick to the well-known ones, update your system, and keep an eye out for warnings during the installation! If you’re looking for an easier option, Snap or Flatpak works great for newer software without much hassle.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your Remmina adventure!