Ubuntu
software-center package

better installing mechanisms

Asked by JOB

Hi all,

My question regards installing software on Ubuntu.

1. Is there possibly anyway which I can install software without having to depend on the repository? Some of us, especially those found in poorer countries, don't have internet connections, at least their inconvenient if you don't own a laptop, which is pretty much a luxury; broadband can be a dream or too expensive. I know about packages.ubuntu.com but the procedure seems a bit cumbersome, and definitely wouldn't attract new users who don't have a convenient internet connection. If there is a better way, please inform me.

2. What if I download .tar.gz files and install them on Ubuntu? Are they that different from the packages that come through the repository?

3. Can anyone point me where I can raise and perhaps discuss more effectively about this problem; the lack of suitable internet connection especially in poorer countries and the inconvenience it carries along with it when it comes to installing software freely without any hassle? I really want Canonical to take this issue into consideration. You would find independent software for Windows here and there (at least easily searchable on the net whenever available) which, for users that don't have internet, could be a little difficult for them to quit Windows and go to Ubuntu.

Thanks

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Answered
For:
Ubuntu software-center Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

Yes the tar.gz files are source code and you will need to compile them to get them to work

You can download individual debs from the repositories and install them, you do not have to use a web connection. The deb will simply open in software-centre and install

Revision history for this message
marcobra (Marco Braida) (marcobra) said : 		#2

New to Ubuntu: read the Ubuntu Manual, it's very informative: http://ubuntu-manual.org/
Click on the "download Button" to download the latest PDF version.
The online help https://help.ubuntu.com/10.04/index.html

Relax and fun:
http://planet.ubuntu.com/ and Full Circle Magazine http://fullcirclemagazine.org/

Revision history for this message
JOB (eyob-fitwi) said : 		#3

@ actionparsnip
That is possible, but the dependencies are too numerous to download all of them without missing some. It would also be cumbersome to install them one by one. Are there any other options, at least one I can use to update Synaptic?

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#4

apt-get can satisfy dependencies so none will be missed at all. I suggest you stick to PPAs where people have made deb files you can use in your OS easily.

Revision history for this message
JOB (eyob-fitwi) said : 		#5

I would've, but the problem is that I don't have an internet connection at home. That's why I need an offline installing mechanism. Or at least a way to update Synaptic so that I can use it to generate a download script which includes all the dependencies.

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#6

You can use aptoncd to transfer deb files from system to system (as well as backup update files).

Can you help with this problem?

Provide an answer of your own, or ask JOB for more information if necessary.

To post a message you must log in.