Installing RPM packages on Ubuntu Linux can be challenging since RPM packages are native to Red Hat-based distributions like Fedora or CentOS. However, it’s feasible with the right tools and steps.
Below are key points to consider:
- Understanding RPM and DEB Packages: RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) and DEB (Debian Package) are two different package management systems. Ubuntu uses DEB by default, while RPM is used by Red Hat-based systems.
- Installing Alien: Alien is a tool that converts RPM packages to DEB packages, making them compatible with Ubuntu.
- Dependencies: Ensure you have all necessary dependencies to avoid any installation issues.
- Using the Command Line: The terminal is crucial for these operations. Familiarity with basic terminal commands will be helpful.
With the introduction out of the way, let’s explore how to install RPM packages on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS using the command-line terminal.
Refresh and Upgrade Your Ubuntu System
The first step in any Linux system administration task is to ensure your system is up-to-date. This avoids potential conflicts from outdated software and lays the groundwork for a smoother installation.
For Ubuntu, this entails running the apt package handling utility with the update and upgrade commands:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeRemember to reboot if you update your Linux Kernel or several packages.
Install Alien for RPM Support
Out of the box, Ubuntu, like Debian, does not natively support RPM packages. To bridge this gap, we leverage a nifty tool called “Alien”. Alien facilitates RPM support on Ubuntu by enabling you to convert and install RPM packages.
Being part of Ubuntu’s default software repositories, you can easily install Alien with the apt package handling utility:
sudo apt install alien -yIn this command, alien is the package we want to install, and the -y flag allows the process to proceed without pausing for confirmation.
Verify Alien Installation on Ubuntu
After you have installed Alien, it is crucial to confirm that the installation process has been completed successfully. This confirmation also allows you to verify the version of Alien that’s now installed on your system. Both steps ensure your system is ready to handle RPM packages.
Run the following command to check the installed version of Alien:
alien --versionThis command will prompt Alien to return its version number. A successful output will look something like this:
alien version x.x.xWhere “x.x.x” will be replaced by the actual version number of the Alien tool.
Install RPM Packages via Alien Commands
Download a RPM Package
The initial step to installing an RPM package on your Ubuntu Linux system is to obtain the necessary RPM file. These files can be downloaded from the official software vendor’s website or a trusted third-party repository.
Note: While downloading, it’s essential to ensure you’re obtaining the correct version suited for your system architecture, whether 32-bit or 64-bit.
Transform the RPM Package to DEB Format
After securing the RPM package, it’s time to employ the Alien tool to convert the file to a DEB package. The DEB format is the default package format for Ubuntu Linux systems, and conversion facilitates the installation process. Here’s how:
Navigate to the Directory with the RPM Package
Open your terminal and switch to the directory housing your downloaded RPM package. Suppose the RPM package resides in your ‘~/Downloads’ directory; you can transition into that directory with the following command:
cd ~/DownloadsRPM Package to DEB Format
You’re ready to utilize Alien to transform your RPM package into a DEB package at this stage. Replace ‘your-package.rpm’ with your actual RPM filename:
sudo alien -d your-package.rpmThis command initiates conversion, saving a DEB package within the same directory. The newly produced DEB package will bear the original RPM package’s name but carry a .deb extension.
Install the Transformed DEB Package on Ubuntu
With the RPM package successfully converted into DEB format, it’s time to install this package onto your Ubuntu Linux system.
Install the DEB Package
The installation of the newly converted DEB package is performed with the following command:
sudo dpkg -i your-package.debBe sure to replace ‘your-package.deb’ with the actual DEB filename.
Fix Dependencies Issues
In the event of encountering dependency issues during the package installation, you can alleviate these by running:
sudo apt --fix-broken installThis command installs any missing dependencies demanded by the DEB package, thus resolving any dependency conflicts that might have arisen.
Confirm the Installation
It is crucial to ensure that the software has been successfully integrated with your Ubuntu Linux system after installing the converted DEB package.
Scrutinize the Installed Package
To evaluate the installed package, you can utilize the following command:
dpkg -l | grep package-nameEnsure to replace ‘package-name’ with the actual name of your software package. This command will display a list of the installed package and its version.
Activate the Installed Software
To substantiate the correct operation of your newly installed software, attempt to run it by triggering its binary file or employing the associated relevant command. If the software opens and operates as expected, you’ve successfully installed an RPM package on your Ubuntu Linux system.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, this guide walked you through the nifty process of installing RPM packages on your Ubuntu system, with a little help from our friend, the alien package. We’ve seen how to transform those RPMs into DEB files that Ubuntu can easily digest, ensuring you’re not left out of using software just because it’s not packaged in your system’s preferred format. A final piece of advice? Always double-check the converted packages for stability and compatibility with your system. And remember, while alien does a great job, it’s always wise to look for a native DEB version first to keep things smooth.