How to install Amarok 2.2.1 in Ubuntu 9.10

Amarok is one of the best music players. Last week Amarok 2.2.1 was release just 6 weeks after the release of the first version in 2.2 series. After the release of Amarok 2.0 most of the amarok fans didn't like the new interface, they still praised the old 1.4 but this new release seems to be a lot more promising than its earlier releases. Amarok 2.2.1, code named "weightless" is literally weightless :) , its really light, fast and has a lot more features then the previous versions.

You might not find the installation info about Ubuntu when you look in their Download page. But that doesn't mean they don't want Ubuntu users to install it ;). Actually, most of the users  don't know that Kubuntu and Ubuntu installation manuals are the same. So, if you want to install the current release of Ubuntu ( in our case 2.2.1) then the PPA for Kubuntu will work for Ubuntu too.

In order to install Amarok 2.2.1 in Ubuntu follow the steps below:

1. Run the following  commands to install the PPA for new KDE and amarok releases in /etc/apt/sources.list file.

[shredder12]$ echo "deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/kubuntu-ppa/ppa/ubuntu karmic main" | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list

[shredder12]$ echo "deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/kubuntu-ppa/backports/ubuntu karmic main" | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list

2. Now, we need to add the openPGP key of the package to authenticate it. Run the following command to do that.

[shredder12]$ sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 2836CB0A8AC93F7A

It is always good to authenticate the package before installation but that doesn't mean that if this step some how fails you won't be able to install the package. While updating your package manager will give you error regarding the GPG authentication and while installing you will be warned about the authenticity of the package, asked if you wish to continue and then its your choice to install or not. But again it is always a good idea to authenticate the package.

3. Time to update the package list. Run the following commands to install the latest amarok.

[shredder12]$ sudo apt-get update

[shredder12]$ sudo aptitude safe-upgrade

The first command updates the package list and the second command upgrades packages to their most recent versions. So, if you have a preinstalled amarok then it will be upgraded to the latest version available in your package list.

Now, you are all set to go, enjoy the new Amarok.