How to install stuff?

[vanhooglesnort]

How can I install apps when I've downloaded the .tar or .gz or whatever. I've found numerous apps I want, but can't find the APT source to install automatically, so i download the zipped install file. I can get the file, unpack it to some other file somewhere, but I can't make Adept or Synaptic find it to install the packages. There has to be an easy way to install this stuff that I have missed. I am the uber newbie.

[Rog131]

Re: How to install stuff?

Here is couple links how to install/compile/package from source:


Compiling / Ubuntu

> Compiling things on Ubuntu Linux the Easy Way

> CompilingSoftware

> CheckInstall


Packaging / Ubuntu

> KubuntuTutorialsDay / Packaging

> PackagingGuide

• Complete Guide
• Basic overview over files in the debian/ directory
• Material for a Hands-On session
• The basics of shared libraries, and the specifics of packaging them
• YouTube - Learning MOTU (first of three Videos)

DEBIAN (K/X/Ubuntu is Debian derived Linux release)

> Compiling Software With Debian Linux

> DebianKDE

> Debian New Maintainers' Guide

> How to make deb packages

> Debian Library Packaging guide

> The Debian GNU/Linux FAQ
Chapter 7 - Basics of the Debian package management system


LINUX

> Installing software from source in Linux - 1.2

> An beginners guide to compiling programs under Linux.


Those links are from > FAQ: Installing from source

README or INSTALL
When you have unpacked tar, check if there is README or INSTALL files. They could contain exact instructions how to install/compile

[arochester]

Re: How to install stuff?

Compiling programs from .tar or .gz should be the VERY LAST RESORT.

You should use Package Managers such as Synaptic or Adept first.

See http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installingsoftware

Programs can also be found and easily installed from sites such as:
1) http://linuxappfinder.com/
2) http://www.getdeb.net/
3) http://www.playdeb.net/

There are "automatic" sites such as:
a) http://klik.atekon.de/
b) http://www.cnr.com/

Do a Google search for a .deb. Once you have downloaded a .deb just RIGHT click on it and choose Install by Gdebi