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I keep trying to install programs, by simply downloading the program, and clicking on it, but I see things are not that simple. Has anyone come up with a simple way to install different programs, without having to rely on Synaptic or Aptitude?

Example: I tried to install a .deb package. Went to the site, downloaded the package, opened up the command line (after making the file executable), the errors began. First there was a dependency file that was required, then there was a public key that was needed, man can someone make this a little bit simpler for a newbie. I think a newbie spends half of his time searching google to figure out how to make things work on Linux. Someone please help make this more simple? Tanks

Aaron
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showmemn
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2 Answers2

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To install a .deb package, just press Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard to open Terminal. When it opens, run the command(s) below:

sudo dpkg -i <package_name>.deb

If you get a dependency error, you can run sudo apt-get install -f to download and install dependencies, otherwise; you'll have to install dependencies on your own.

For a new user, its easier to use synaptic , Ubuntu software Center, or apt to install packages. Take a look at How do I install applications in Ubuntu?

For more info on dpkg, see dpkg Command Cheat Sheet

Community
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Mitch
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Try to install .deb packages through gdebi,

 sudo gdebi filename.deb

Run the below command to install gdebi,

 sudo apt-get install gdebi

Installing the .deb file through gdebi will remove the dependency errors.

Avinash Raj
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