In this tutorial, we will show you how to install a deb file on Ubuntu using Gdebi. For those of you who didn’t know, GDebi is a powerful and user-friendly tool for installing .deb
files on Ubuntu. It simplifies the installation process by automatically resolving dependencies and providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for easy navigation. GDebi also supports command-line installation, making it a versatile tool for both novice and advanced users. One of the key advantages of using GDebi over other methods is its ability to handle dependency resolution. When you install a .deb file using GDebi, it automatically checks for and installs any missing dependencies, ensuring a smooth and error-free installation process.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing .deb files on Ubuntu using GDebi, covering everything from understanding .deb files to troubleshooting common issues.
Prerequisites
- A server running one of the following operating systems: Ubuntu and any other Debian-based distribution like Linux Mint or elementary OS.
- It’s recommended that you use a fresh OS install to prevent any potential issues.
- SSH access to the server (or just open Terminal if you’re on a desktop).
- A
non-root sudo user
or access to theroot user
. We recommend acting as anon-root sudo user
, however, as you can harm your system if you’re not careful when acting as the root.
Install Deb File on Ubuntu Using Gdebi
Step 1. First, make sure that all your system packages are up-to-date by running the following apt
commands in the terminal.
sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade
Step 2. Installing Gdebi.
If GDebi is not pre-installed on your Ubuntu system, you can easily install it using the terminal or the Ubuntu Software Center. To install GDebi via the terminal, follow these steps:
sudo apt install gdebi
Alternatively, you can install GDebi through the Ubuntu Software Center by searching for “GDebi” and clicking the “Install” button.
Step 3. Accessing Gdebi on Ubuntu.
Once Gdebi is installed, it can be used to install a local deb package. The command format to install the deb file using gdebi is:
sudo gdebi package_name.deb
There are many gdebi command options:
- –version Show the program’s version number and exit.
- -h, –help Show this help message and exit.
- –n, –non-interactive Run non-interactive (dangerous!).
- –o APT_OPTS, –option=APT_OPTS Set an APT configuration option.
- –q, –quiet Do not show progress information.
- –apt-line Simulate only and print an apt-get install compatible line to stderr.
- –root=ROOTDIR Use alternative root dir.
In addition, you need to provide the full path to the .deb package if the deb file is not in the current working directory:
sudo gdebi /root/package_name.deb
On the Ubuntu desktop, right-click on the deb file and select Open With Other Application –> GDebi Package Installer.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Gdebi. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing deb using Gdebi on the Ubuntu system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you to check the official Gdebi website.