Manjaro: how to install .deb package?
 

I have piece of software (vms) that I need to install on Manjaro. Found some info on debtap but unsure if that's what I need.

From what I can see, what you seem to be suggesting seems like one option (I can't say I've ever done that myself, so I don't know how well it would work).

I think it would really help if you told us exactly what you're trying to do. Like why you need to install this software? As, we might be able to suggest some better options, if we knew more about exactly what you're trying to achieve.

I am trying to phase out Windows on my work PC. I guess I will need to switch to Debian flavour instead.
Because of my Linux ignorance, I thought these things would be pretty common and that packages can be rebuild somehow.

That would be the easiest way if you must have the software you linked above. But again, it would help you told us exactly why you need that particular software - as there maybe alternatives available for Manjaro (if you would like to use Manjaro).

Ubuntu or Linux Mint might be your best options if you don't mind using a different Linux distribution.

They can be I have used alien a couple of times to .rpm to .deb so I could install. You are better off going with the distribution they build the packages for. When going with programs like this you need the libraries the .deb is built with to be present to run the program. When choosing another distribution you can never be certain the correct version needed will be there. Well you could check every dependancy to see but that is time very consuming.

Well I work in the industry and my job is to set up and maintain many of these systems. I must admit I've picked Manjaro for no real reason and I'm happy to change again.. Thanks

Interesting, I'm not that good at solving such complex problems in Linux and so Mint it is. I considered trying Vine (and using Win version) but I'd rather remove the issue than work around it.

My first thought wasas well tho a sid netinst can't be beat. IMHO :D

debtap seems to be exactly what is required to convert a .deb package to an archlinux package:

In this case it certainly looks like you should switch to a .deb-based distro. Probably Debian Stable.

That said, .deb packages are ar archives. You can uncompress them with ar x. That means that you can write a .pkgbuild script that uncompresses it and repackages it for Manjaro. Don't expect the vendor to support you after you do that.