Q&A for How to Install Software in Ubuntu

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do you install .rpm files?

Community Answer

You need to install the following packages: alien dpkg-dev debhelper build-essential. Then, run sudo alien package.rpm (where package.rpm is the name of your file). This converts the file into a .deb package. You can now run sudo dpkg -i package.deb to install the debian file.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 13
Question

How can I install programs downloaded from websites?

Community Answer

If you've downloaded a file in .tar.gz format, you can install it using the Terminal. First, extract the file into a new folder. Once extracted, open Terminal and navigate to the new folder. Type "./configure" and press Enter. After that has finished, type "make" and press Enter. Finally, type "sudo make install" and enter your password when prompted. This will install the program.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 59 Helpful 48
Question

How do I install the software if I do not know the administrative password?

Community Answer

You can't install the software without an admin password.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
Question

When I use the command ./configure it says permission denied, what can I do?

Community Answer

First check to make sure the configure script is executable. From the terminal, type chmod +x configure. If you are still not able to configure, try running the script as root. sudo ./configure

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 3
Question

What do I do if my download fails when installing software in Ubuntu?

Community Answer

Try using a different repository or download it manually. Ensure that all of the dependencies of the requested program are installed before installing it. After that, go to the folder where the program is downloaded and run "dpkg -i name_of_program.deb" there.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

Can I install software in Ubuntu that isn't already present in the Ubuntu software center?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 6
Question

I cannot access Ubuntu software center, what should I do?

Somone

Community Answer

If your Ubuntu Software system is not working, then you probably have a version of Ubuntu that is too old and is no longer supported. You will have to upgrade to a newer version of Ubuntu.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

Why doesn't it work without Internet?

Somone

Community Answer

An Internet connection is required in order to download the software in the first place. The programs are not stored on your computer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1