How to Convert RPM to DEP in Ubuntu

Linux has many distributions that use different binaries. RPM and Deb are both popular file formats used throughout the Linux world; they have the extensions .rpm and .deb respectively. Ubuntu uses .deb binaries for installation of applications, however if you cannot find the appropriate .deb file for the application you want to install, you can download the RPM binary and covert it using Alien. Once converted, you will be able to install the application as you would normally in Ubuntu.

Instructions

1. Open the terminal by clicking "dash," "more apps," "accessories" and "terminal."

2. Type "sudo apt-get install alien" into the terminal screen. This will automatically download and install alien onto your system. The system will let you know once the installation is complete.

3. Change to the folder the .rpm file is located in by typing "cd ~/(folder name)" in the terminal.

4. Type "sudo alien -k (program name).rpm" into terminal and press "enter" to convert the file.

5. Type "sudo dpkg (program name).deb" to install the package as normal.

References

• Ubuntu Blog: Installing Using an RPM File
• Johnson YIP: How to Convert .RPM to .Deb in Ubuntu 9.04 Desktop Edition
• Ubuntu Help: Using the Terminal