[SOLVED] Can I install Debian software on Ubuntu 6.06?

DragonSlayer48DX · 12-10-2006, 11:25 AM

I'm fairly new to Linux, and so far I've had no problems with Dapper. However, I see a lot of software available for Debian, but not Ubuntu. Is it safe to install Debian-based products, or should I stick to Ubuntu-specific packages?
Thank You!

PatrickNew · 12-10-2006, 11:55 AM

As I understand it, you can, but it's not recommended. There's subtle differences in where they put certain files and the two may not be completely binary compatible. Your best bet is probably to just get the source code for the respective programs and compile from source. That'll always work.

DragonSlayer48DX · 12-10-2006, 07:17 PM

Thanks so much, Patrick. I'll go with that thought.

BTW - If Linux is a headache,
then Windoze is an aneurysm!

IBall · 12-10-2006, 07:54 PM

dragonslayer:
1) To install software from source on Ubuntu, first install the package "build-essential".

2) I prefer to stick with the package manager where possible. The package manager (apt) can then keep track of which packages are installed, dependencies and makes it easy to remove software. Have you enabled the "universe" and "multiverse" repositories? If you do, you will find that there are thousands of packages available for you to install.

--Ian

DragonSlayer48DX · 12-11-2006, 02:20 AM

Thanks for the tip, IBall. I will be installing "build-essential".

I, too, prefer to use Apt whenever possible; I also like to keep other options available, just in case I might need them. I'll need to check my "universe" and "multiverse" repository settings...