.deb file doesnt run

[Feromi]

I downloaded an executable .deb app. Instead of running it, Archive manager opens it so it wont install.
I'm using MATE
in Virtualbox, I tried it in 3 different 'buntu flavors and it ran normally once I double clicked it.

[arochester]

Perhaps the easiest way to install a .deb is to first install gdebi

As Root

Code: Select all

apt install gdebi

Then RIGHT click on the downloaded file and choose Install with Gdebi

You might look at 8.7 Installing external “.deb” packages on https://lescahiersdudebutant.arpinux.or ... b-packages

[Feromi]

Thank you, that worked!

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Note that apt(8) can install .deb packages by itself:

Code: Select all

# apt install /full/path/to/example.deb

[metreo]

That's interesting, is there any difference to using apt instead of dpkg?

[Head_on_a_Stick]

is there any difference to using apt instead of dpkg?

Any dependencies will be automatically installed with apt(8).

[metreo]

Oh well, that is quite a hassle with dkpg sometimes!

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Not really:

Code: Select all

# apt install -f

[metreo]

Not really about what?

[Head_on_a_Stick]

If any dependencies are unsatisfied after installing a .deb with dpkg then all that is needed to install them is the command I posted above.

[stevepusser]

BIG BIG difference is that apt checks if dependencies can be satisfied first, and will stop if they can't. Gdebi and other GUI installers work pretty much the same.

Dpkg doesn't check at all, and will happily try to install incompatible debs, such as those from unstable or Ubuntu, and get halfway before failing, leaving you to manually clean up the mess. Not my cuppa.

[metreo]

I think dpkg is better for doing system analysis regarding dependencies and how to modify them though?

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Dpkg doesn't check at all, and will happily try to install incompatible debs, such as those from unstable or Ubuntu, and get halfway before failing, leaving you to manually clean up the mess.

Running 'apt install -f' will "clean up the mess" and remove the incompatible package.

I think dpkg is better for doing system analysis regarding dependencies and how to modify them though?

dpkg(1) can be useful when the dependency chain is b0rked because it's a lower-level tool than APT: https://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/debi ... kg_command