How to install software from DVD in Debian 8?
 

Please excuse my ignorance but I have no idea as to how to install software in Linux. I have used DOS then windows since it first came out but am now ready for a change. I managed to install Debian 8 on this pc which can dual-boot to windows xp pro without any major hiccups but didn't install all of the programs that were available on the DVD and now, I want to install them but don't know how.
Sorry to be a pain but you have to start somewhere.

lenjhunter52,

Welcome to LQ.

This should help:

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-Software-in-Debian-Linux

From DVD

Insert appropriate DVD.

In Terminal:

Then for the package you want to install type:

(omit < and > )

Hi Len & welcome. I assume you have an internet connection set up. (If not ignore what follows).
To start with can you post the contents of the /etc/apt/sources.list file on your system.
jdk

Thanks very much guys, I will plod away until it clicks into place. (Mrs. Robinson?)

#
Hi jdk

The contents of my /etc/apt/sources.list file are:


# deb cdrom:[Debian GNU/Linux 8.0.0 _Jessie_ - Official amd64 DVD Binary-1 20150425-12:54]/ jessie contrib main

deb cdrom:[Debian GNU/Linux 8.0.0 _Jessie_ - Official amd64 DVD Binary-1 20150425-12:54]/ jessie contrib main

deb http://httpredir.debian.org/debian/ jessie main
deb-src http://httpredir.debian.org/debian/ jessie main

deb http://security.debian.org/ jessie/updates main contrib
deb-src http://security.debian.org/ jessie/updates main contrib

# jessie-updates, previously known as 'volatile'
deb http://httpredir.debian.org/debian/ jessie-updates main contrib
deb-src http://httpredir.debian.org/debian/ jessie-updates main contrib

As a little background, Linux distros handle program (package, in Linux) installation in a far different way from DOS/Windows.

Most distros have "repositories" ("repos") in which packages formatted for installation in that distro's format are stored. When you want to install something, you open your package manager (software center on some distros), search for the appropriate package, then tell the package manager to install it. In the process, the package manager resolves "dependencies," that is, any libraries or other programs that the target program needs to run.

If that doesn't work, you compile software from sources, which usually is far less complicated than it sounds.

This article gives a pretty good overview of the process.

Since the Debian DVD is in your sources.list, you can use your package manager to install software from it, though it would be easier to remark it out and install programs from the repos, as long as you have an active internet connection.

Do you have an internet connection?

1. Open a terminal and give the following and give the following command:
You will be prompted for the root password. Type in the root password and hit the enter key. N.B. for security reasons nothing will appear on the terminal as you type the root password.
Once you have done that you will notice that the prompt character has changed from "$" (normal user) to "#" (super user).
Now give the following commands:
Now all the packages that have already been installed have been updated to their latest versions. Next decide on what new packages you want to install and give the command This is done while you are still super user. Depending on what packages you're looking for you may have to add additional repositories to your sources.list file.
jdk