How to Install Linux Packages

Linux packages can be installed in a myriad of different ways. Three of the most popular methods are through the distribution's graphical package manager, through the RPM package manager and through the Debian package manager. The RPM package manager and Debian package manager are installed on different operating systems. The RPM package manager is installed on Red Hat-based systems such as Fedora. The Debian package manager is installed on Debian-based distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu and Kubuntu.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Graphical Package Manager

1. Open the graphical package manager.
   The graphical package manager will be found at System->Administration (GNOME) or Start->System (KDE).

2. Choose your package.
   Click on the package and choose "Mark for Installation."

3. Click "Apply."

RPM Packages

4. Open a terminal window.
   The terminal will be found under Applications -> Accessories (GNOME) or Start->Utilities (KDE).

5. Change to the directory where your .rpm file is held.
   cd ~/Downloads
   Change "Downloads" to reflect your directory.

6. Issue the command:
   rpm -ivh Package.rpm
   Replace "Package" with the name of your package.

Deb Packages

7. Open a terminal window
   The terminal will be found under Applications -> Accessories (GNOME) or Start->Utilities (KDE).

8. Change to the directory where your .deb file is held.
   cd ~/Downloads
   Change "Downloads" to reflect your directory.

9. Issue the command:
   dpkg --install Package.deb
   Replace "Package" with the name of your package.

References

• The rpm Man Page
• The dpkg-deb Man Page