RPM Package Question.
 

If I have an RPM package, can I use it with Peanut Linux, Alt Linux or Debian ? In other words are RPM packages common for all systems ? Or does each type of Linux have its own RPM system ? Thanks.

Vijay

Debian doesn't use RPM, but there is a utility called alien that can convert rpms into a Debian package.

Steve

In some cases yes you can install RPM's on other systems besides like Redhat or Mandrake, etc. But keep in mind, you will need RPM/Database installed to install RPM's... etc.

In some cases though, if it states its an RPM built for lets say Redhat 9, might be a good chance it will only work on Redhat 9, either that or you might run into some problems installing.

Debian uses something call aptget. RPM stands for Redhat Package Manager. RPMs will work in Redhat based distros. So you can use them on Redhat, Mandrake and I think even slackware supports RPMs. To install a program on an linux distrobution just download the source and compile it. Learn more about compiling here

Thanks. This is very good to know. However, I had severe problems with compiling packages for Vector Linux from Source. Several error messages, libraries didn't install well etc., So, I am very discouraged in this regard.

Once I have a package compiled for Vector Linux, can all other users of VL use it or will the package work only on my PC ? Thanks.

Vijay

This seems to be a great little "how-to". However, it states in the third paragraph ...

""You will want to download the source to the following directory: /usr/local/src "

When I attempt to do this the system tells me, "Access Denied"

I'm using Mandrake 9.1 with KDE and logged on as a "normal" user. What am I missing here? Can anyone enlighten me?

Thanks a bunch!!

well the reason you don't have access is because you aren't root. what i would do is just download the file to your home directory and then move it with your terminal

$ su
:enter password:
$ mv file /usr/local/src

and carry out your installation from there ^_^

you are THE MAN, GT!

Thanks a million!!!

By the way, other than the /home/<user name> folder, where else "should" a non-root user have read/write privileges?

i dont have any folders (other than those in my /home directory) open to normal users, and i have absolutely no problems. i would recommend you keep it like that for safety reasons (you wouldn't want to accidently delete important files ^_^) the only time ive changed something is so i could edit some shell scripts i made that were in my /usr/bin directory (so i wouldn't have to become root to make changes to it).

"Once I have a package compiled for Vector Linux, can all other users of VL use it or will the package work only on my PC ?"

Vector 4.0 and 3.2 use different binary formats, but if they have the same version of Vector as you they should be able to use it if you did it right. Also, someone with a compatable version of Slackware (9.x and 8.x repectively) should be able to use them.