How to Convert Packages in Ubuntu Using Alien

Table of contents:

You can install packages for other linux systems on Ubuntu using the Alien program. This program converts rpm, dpkg or TGZ packages. Using Alien, you can convert the package to your preferred format and install it.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Installing Alien

Convert Package Files in Ubuntu Using Alien Step 1

Step 1. Type the command sudo apt-get update (or use copy-paste) in the Terminal (called by the combination Ctrl + Alt + T), press Enter

Convert Package Files in Ubuntu Using Alien Step 2

Step 2. If the system asks for a password, do not get lost

Enter the one you use to log in. The password is not shown in the terminal when typing. Just enter your password and hit Enter. If the password is entered correctly, the list of repositories and packages will be updated.

Convert Package Files in Ubuntu Using Alien Step 3

Step 3. To install Alien, enter the following command in the terminal

sudo apt-get install alien (then press Enter).

Convert Package Files in Ubuntu Using Alien Step 4

Step 4. If the system asks for a password, do not get lost

Enter the one you use to log in. The password is not shown in the terminal when typing. Just enter your password and hit Enter. If the system asks for confirmation, enter 'Y' in the terminal and press Enter.

Method 2 of 3: Convert the files you want

Convert Package Files in Ubuntu Using Alien Step 5

Step 1. For example, you want to convert an.rpm file, download it to your desktop

Using the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T), enter the following command: cd ~ / Desktop (press Enter).

This command will change the working folder to the desktop folder where the.rpm file is located

Convert Package Files in Ubuntu Using Alien Step 6

Step 2. Enter the following command in the terminal

sudo alien -k apacheds-2.0.0-M11-i386.rpm (press Enter).

The command syntax is: sudo alien -k file.rpm (this command converts to.deb format), replace the word 'file' with the name of the package to convert. In this case: apacheds-2.0.0-M11-i386.rpm

Convert Package Files in Ubuntu Using Alien Step 7

Step 3. If the system asks for a password, do not get lost

Enter the one you use to log in. The password is not shown in the terminal when typing. Just enter your password and hit Enter. If the password is entered correctly, the requested actions will be performed.