I just installed 18.04 (Bionic Beaver). I noticed that when I search my applications for the word "Software", there are three different software-update-manager type things preinstalled (maybe they're not all exactly software update managers, but they all have "update software" in their description) - "Ubuntu Software", "Software & Updates", and "Software Updater":
Isn't this a bit confusing and duplicative? What are the differences between the three applications, and is there any reason they aren't combined into just one or two applications?
From left to right:
Software & Updates is a utility for managing repositories. You can change update mirrors, add/remove PPAs, etc. There is no way to install anything, other then a few graphics and wifi drivers.
Ubuntu Software is just a user friendly way for installing/uninstalling software.
Software Updater is for updates, and upgrades. You can't install programs or manage repositories.