Installing Linux Software From Packages
Installing from packages is the easiest way to install software that is not available via update managers repositories. Each dirtribution has it's own package manager.
Installing software from .rpm packages:
RPM is Redhats default package manager. The acronym stands for Redhat Package Manager. Installing .rpm files is as easy as:
# rpm -i PackageName.rpm
The -i flag tells the package manager to install the package. Other useful options include:
- -e : Remove an installed package
- -U : Upgrade to a newer version
- -qa : list all software installed
Installing software from .deb packages:
DEB packages are Debians packages. All Debian derivitaives use DEB packages, including Ubuntu. To install .deb packages, use this command:
# dpkg -i PackageName.deb
The -i flag tells the package manager to install the package. Other useful options include:
- -r : Remove an installed package
- --update-avail : Updates dpkg's information so that you can install the latest packages