ubuntu software center does not update cache so i cannot download new software

what do you mean by "new software"? are you trying to install updated versions of software you already have installed? are you trying to install software that you don't have yet?

ttp://ppa.launchpad.net/malaria/ppa/ubuntu/dists/lucid/main/binary-amd64/Packages.gz

Can you provide the errors you are getting while installing new software in your software-center.
If you provide the errors then the community members will analyze the errors and give some suggestions.
You can try with command terminal in order to install the new software using the following command sudo apt-get install package-name.

please note that message before proceeding to the previous message.
You first update your ubuntu by using the following command at command terminal
sudo apt-get update and then enter your login password in order to update your repositories.
If you get any errors while updating the ubuntu please post the errors here.

I think I'm facing the same bug. When I installed 11.10, To update the cache I had first to pick an app and click "use this source". Then it updated the cache.

Now I'm facing another problem which I believe belong to the same issue. I add a ppa by going to software sources from the software center. But the center does not update the cache!!! of course I can use "sudo apt-get update" or using synaptic. But for the experienced user who uses Ubuntu because it's "easy", Well that's a problem. and yeah, It's the unintended behavior for the software center.

I think I'm facing the same bug. When I installed 11.10, To update the cache I had first to pick an app and click "use this source". Then it updated the cache.

Now I'm facing another problem which I believe belong to the same issue. I add a ppa by going to software sources from the software center. But the center does not update the cache!!! of course I can use "sudo apt-get update" or using synaptic. But for the experienced user who uses Ubuntu because it's "easy", Well that's a problem. and yeah, It's the unintended behavior for the software center.

I have the same problem. I am trying to help a person install a piece of software from a 3rd party repository. I could have told him to open the terminal and type:

$ sudo apt-add-repository "deb http://apt.example.com/ stable main"
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install examplepackagename

But he seems extremely new to Linux and so I thought I wanted to give him GUI instructions:

1. Click the Software Center icon on the Launcher bar at the left
2. Select Edit > Software Sources
3. Go to Other Software and click Add
4. Enter "deb http://apt.example.com/ stable main" without the quotes and click Add Source
5. Enter your password and click Authenticate
6. Update your software cache
7. Search examplepackagename in the search box
8. Install the package

Unfortunately, I could not find a way to update software cache.

Of course, I could tell him to open Terminal and type
$ sudo apt-get update

But that defeats the purpose. If I do that, then I might as well let him do everything from the terminal, which is in fact easier. But teaching that would enhance the reputation of Linux as being reliant on the command line for even simple things as installing software.

after the source is added. the software center should update the cache
automatically. and it would not be in the background. it is supposed to be
in the progress tab in the software center. and why it should be a problem.
the cache would be updated if its not updated already when the iser
installs/removes a program.
On May 11, 2012 8:50 PM, "Bamm Gabriana" <
<email address hidden>> wrote:
>
> Question #169599 on software-center in Ubuntu changed:
>
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-center/+question/169599
>
> Bamm Gabriana posted a new comment:
> I have the same problem. I am trying to help a person install a piece of
> software from a 3rd party repository. I could have told him to open the
> terminal and type:
>
> $ sudo apt-add-repository "deb http://apt.example.com/ stable main"
> $ sudo apt-get update
> $ sudo apt-get install examplepackagename
>
> But he seems extremely new to Linux and so I thought I wanted to give
> him GUI instructions:
>
> 1. Click the Software Center icon on the Launcher bar at the left
> 2. Select Edit > Software Sources
> 3. Go to Other Software and click Add
> 4. Enter "deb http://apt.example.com/ stable main" without the quotes and
click Add Source
> 5. Enter your password and click Authenticate
> 6. Update your software cache
> 7. Search examplepackagename in the search box
> 8. Install the package
>
> Unfortunately, I could not find a way to update software cache.
>
> Of course, I could tell him to open Terminal and type
> $ sudo apt-get update
>
> But that defeats the purpose. If I do that, then I might as well let him
> do everything from the terminal, which is in fact easier. But teaching
> that would enhance the reputation of Linux as being reliant on the
> command line for even simple things as installing software.
>
> --
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.

I see no evidence of automatic updating of the cache going on after you add a deb using the Software Centre. Using the terminal this process takes several minutes and only then did the Software Centre have knowledge of the contents of the new deb. I hope I am wrong.

nope. I am the one who is mistaken. it used tk update the cache
autlmaically after adding a source... i guess the behavior changed at some
level... i check it out as soon as i wrote the response to you buf forgot
to recap my reply. sorry.
On May 22, 2012 2:50 PM, "nigel" <email address hidden>
wrote:
>
> Question #169599 on software-center in Ubuntu changed:
>
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-center/+question/169599
>
> nigel posted a new comment:
> I see no evidence of automatic updating of the cache going on after you
> add a deb using the Software Centre. Using the terminal this process
> takes several minutes and only then did the Software Centre have
> knowledge of the contents of the new deb. I hope I am wrong.
>
> --
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.