installing downloaded software KUbuntu8.04
 

I HAVE searched LQ Newbie Forum and am confused . Be grateful to be pointed to definitive source with simple instructions on downloading and installing applications not included in Synaptic Manager

Hi Ron,
I don't think there's a simple answer to your question since software for linux comes in a number of different forms:
1. Source code
2. Binaries (one size fits all)
3. Packages (binaries for specific distros that aren't necessarily included in the repositories for that distro)

It might be easier to answer your question if you indicate which specific software you'd like to download and install.

Cheers,
jdk

Hi Ron~

Here is the official Ubuntu page on manually installing .deb, .rpm, and tarballs.
It will work the same with Kubuntu.

Hope this helps.

There is also "How to install ANYTHING in Ubuntu!" at http://amitech.50webs.com/installing/index.php.html

I have often found http://linuxappfinder.com/ good for a search and finding *buntu installs

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO INSTALL???

thanks
 

THANKS to all. What I wanted to do was install the latest seamonkey 1.1.14 after I had downloaded from SM.org, but then wondered about the general situation.

Ron.

Seamonkey
 

Seamonkey is in the repos- Your safest bet is to install from there.

Open Applications->Add/Remove... Type seamonkey in the Search box. Select and Install.

If you are looking to upgrade to a newer version, open a terminal and enter:

If the newer version can't be found, it hasn't been tested and approved by the Ubuntu Team. (Not sure if it would automatically be updated when it does become available.)

ron@buntu:~$ sudo update seamonkey
[sudo] password for ron:
sudo: update: command not found
ron@buntu:~$
This is what happened

Hi Ron,
Assuming Ubuntu has aptitude and you want to use the command line, then you would type this:
and then
(if seamonkey is the name of the ubuntu package)
Cheers,
jdk

Thanks JDK et al. Decided to let it rest a while. Seems ubuntu is a bit behind with seamonkey ; emphasis probably on Firefox.
RON

Hi Ron,
(no need for sudo here)
will give you the version of seamonkey that is in the ubuntu repos. I tend to get FFx directly from the site or via its own "check for updates" routine (in the HELP menu).
Cheers,
jdk