ter Smitten's

1. Add your favorite mirror to an apt-source file:

   
   

   for Ubuntu Jaunty:

   echo "deb http://cran.nedmirror.nl/bin/linux/ubuntu jaunty/" \
   > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/cran.list

   for Ubuntu Intrepid:

   echo "deb http://cran.nedmirror.nl/bin/linux/ubuntu intrepid/" \
   > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/cran.list

   for Ubuntu Hardy:

   echo "deb http://cran.nedmirror.nl/bin/linux/ubuntu hardy/" \
   > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/cran.list

   for Ubuntu Dapper:

   echo "deb http://cran.nedmirror.nl/bin/linux/ubuntu dapper/" \
   > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/cran.list

2. Import the gpg key:

   gpg --keyserver subkeys.pgp.net --recv-key E2A11821
   gpg -a --export E2A11821 | sudo apt-key add -

3. Update apt:

   sudo apt-get update
   sudo apt-get upgrade

4. Install r:

   sudo apt-get install r-base
   sudo apt-get install r-base-dev

References:

1. Ubuntu packages for R