How To Test Drive Applications in Ubuntu Software Center Before Installing in Ubuntu

This tutorial shows you how to test applications in Ubuntu Software Center before installing them in Ubuntu 12.04 Precise Pangolin as well as  earlier versions.

To get started , you must install QTNX. QTNX is a remote client for NX remote desktop.

You  can install QTNX in Ubuntu from Ubuntu Software Center or by running the following

sudo apt-get install qtnx

Once installed, launch Ubuntu Software Center. Then , search and open the application that you want to install. Once the application is opened in Ubuntu Software Center, you can see a button named Test Drive under the screenshot of the application as shown below.

Click on the Test Drive. A Choose your distribution dialog appears with a list of distributions to test drive your application in. Select your desired distribution and then click OK.

Then, a window pops up which installs and runs your application in a remote server as shown below.

In this way, you test your applications in Ubuntu Software Center without installing them in your hard drive.

via : UpUbuntu