Ubuntu
software-center package

How do I install software that downloads as a file?

Asked by John Hill

I've tried to download a number of things like flash players and such off the internet that don't install through the Ubuntu Software Center. They download as a file, and then come up in Archive Manager as several different files that need to be extracted or opened. I'm not a real computer whiz and I don't know what to do with them after that. I've tried extracting them, but then I don't know which files to work with and just seem to be running in circles without accomplishing anything. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

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José Antonio Rey (jose) said : 		#1

You need to compile the software. Instructions can be found here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CompilingEasyHowTo

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Mark Rijckenberg (markrijckenberg) said : 		#2

No need to compile to install the Adobe Flashplayer.

Just follow these instructions:

http://blog.sudobits.com/2012/10/10/10-things-to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-12-10/

So copy-paste these commands into the Terminal:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

I also suggest reading this:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/ExternalGuides

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Warren Hill (warren-hill) said : 		#3

Mark has given you the easy way to get flash and a few other things like mp3 decoder.

For other software it depends what it is.

1. If its in the software centre then get it from there or with "apt-get"
2. If not then try to find an external ppa for it
3. If still not the try to find a debian install ".deb" file
4. Consider compiling it your self
5. If you have no other option consider converting from another distribution using alien.

I've listed these in order easiest to hardest. I have no personal experience of option 5 but people here have.

If you tell us what you want we may be able to suggest the easiest way to get it.

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