How can I get the odd, individual app via Synaptic?
 

How do I install programs that I find on the net under Ubuntu 5.04. I would prefer to use Synaptic over CL interface. Please don't direct me to the "Unofficial Ubuntu 5.04 Starter Guide." It's all CL and I find it confusing.

I have enabled the Comminty/Universe repository, but I find the selection of available programs is still limited. For example, I might like to download a recipe management program from SourceForge, but there appears to be no simple or straightforward way to do this. Can I somehow manually add SourceForge or, say, FreshMeat as repositories? Or can I somehow get specific apps, individually, thru Synaptic.

If you are using Synaptic, then you are using an rpm-based package system. Therefore, you can use rpm itself to install things!

I'm not going to try to explain how to configure Synaptic...I'd mess some instructions up most likely (though I am pretty sure there is a way with Synaptic for you to set up a repository on your hard drive and install from there). Additionally, Synaptic is not comprehensive to all packages you may want. Sooner or later you will need to learn how to use rpm on the console. What I can tell you is how to use rpm effectively and quickly:

-open a terminal and go to the directory where you downloaded your rpm.
-type 'su' to get root access, because to install things on your system you need to root permissions.
-type 'rpm -Uhv <your rpm filename>' This will install the rpm if there are no dependencies. Note the -U means to upgrade. It will put the rpm on your system if it is not there, or upgrade it if an older rpm is already installed.
-type 'exit' to get out of root-level access
-enjoy your application by typing its command in the console or clicking its entry in the menu.

the above post is correct... but you are using debian, so you need .deb packages.

if you must use .rpm packages, you need to convert them to .deb

install alien... then it is the command line I am afraid.

#alien -d packagename.rpm

Then double click it... best to stick to .debs though.

Regards
Richard

Synaptic shows the apps you convert with Alien. Confused me the first time I saw the entry: Converted from rpm by Alien; I thought it said Allen and I was trying to figure out who the heck Allen was.

Try searching the Debain packages or looking at "Unofficial APT repositories"


Sooner or later you will have to learn some command line and how to compile from source. It really is not that difficult.

LMAO craigevil... nice one, can imagine the confusion.

Thanks for advice. Will give Alien a try, grit teeth, borrow a manual and with some fear and trepidation try command line (shades of dossH ell from years ago).

Charles.
(MicroHarsh refugee)

A couple good places to start:

"APT HOWTO"
http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#apt-howto

"Debian Reference"
http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#quick-reference

Debian Package Management Quick-Start Guide
http://sgeiger.mine.nu/docs/pkgmgmt.html

Linux Command Directory: Index
http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/linux/cmd/

If you are using the Ubuntu unofficial guide is great.