10 Simple Steps to Install RPM Ubuntu

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Last updated: June 3, 2024

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TL;DR

To install RPM Ubuntu, you can follow these steps:

  1. Update package lists: Run sudo apt update in the Terminal.
  2. Install rpm and alien: Use sudo apt install rpm alien command.
  3. Download the RPM package from a trusted source.
  4. Convert and install: Navigate to the package directory and run sudo alien --to-deb package.rpm to convert, then sudo dpkg -i package.deb to install.

Struggling to install an RPM file on your Ubuntu system? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this guide, I’ll go through the steps to convert RPM packages to Ubuntu-friendly DEB format using the alien tool. I’ll prepare your system, handle the conversion, and tackle installation smoothly. I’ll also share some best practices to keep your system secure and stable to install RPM Ubuntu. Whether you’re setting up AnyDesk or another RPM-based application, this guide will help you seamlessly integrate it into your Ubuntu setup. Let’s dive in and expand your Ubuntu’s capabilities together!

How to Install RPM Ubuntu?

To install an RPM package on Ubuntu, open your Terminal and update your system’s package lists with sudo apt update. Then, install rpm and alien by running sudo apt install rpm alien, which will enable you to handle and convert RPM packages. Download your RPM file from a trusted source, like the AnyDesk official website, and navigate to the directory containing the file.

Convert the RPM to a DEB file using sudo alien --to-deb package.rpm, replacing package.rpm with your file’s name. Finally, install the converted DEB file with sudo dpkg -i package.deb, and you can then access the installed application from your application menu.

Here are the detailed steps to install RPM package Ubuntu:

  1. Open your Terminal window.
opening terminal 19
  1. Enter the following command to update the package lists:
sudo apt update
  1. The command will update all the package lists.
updating system package list
  1. To install the rpm and alien packages, run the following command:
sudo apt install rpm alien
  1. The command will install alien and rpm on your system.
installing rpm alien for rpm packages
  1. Before Ubuntu RPM install, you must obtain it from a trusted source. In this case, I have downloaded the AnyDesk RPM package from its official website https://anydesk.com/en/downloads/linux
downloading rpm file for ubuntu
  1. Select a suitable option to download the RPM package.
downloading suitable rpm package
  1. Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the RPM package is located. Now convert the RPM package to DEB file using the following command:
sudo alien --to-deb package.rpm

Replace package.rpm with the actual name of the RPM package file.

converting rpm package to deb package
  1. Now you can install the DEB package using the following command:
sudo dpkg -i package.deb

Replace package.deb with the actual name of the RPM package file.

installing deb package
  1. You can now access AnyDesk from the application menu.
accessing anydesk

How to Install RPM on Ubuntu Directly?

To directly install RPM file Ubuntu without converting it first to a DEB package, you can use the Alien tool with its installation option. This method allows for a more streamlined installation process by handling the conversion and installation in one step. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Before you can use alien to install RPM packages, you need to install it. Open your terminal and run the following command to update your package list:
sudo apt update

This command refreshes your local package index with the latest available versions of packages from the repositories.

updating system package list 2
  1. Now install Alien using the command:
sudo apt install alien

This command installs the alien package, which enables the conversion of RPM packages to DEB packages and also allows direct installation.

installing alien on ubuntu
  1. Once alien is installed, you can use it to directly install an RPM package. Use the following command:
sudo alien -i [package_name].rpm

This command tells alien to convert the RPM to DEB and install it immediately. Replace package_name with the name of your RPM file.

installing rpm package directly using alien
  1. After the installation is complete, it’s a good idea to check that the package was installed correctly. You can query the installed packages with:
dpkg -l | grep package-name

Replace package-name with the base name of the package to see if it’s listed among the installed packages.

verifying if the package is installed correctly

3 Best Practices for Installing RPM Packages

Following best practices to install RPM packages on Ubuntu are necessary to ensure smooth integration and avoid conflicts with the native DEB package management system. Here are three best practices to follow when working with RPM packages:

1. 🔒 Verify Package Authenticity Before Installation

Before installing RPM package, it is crucial to verify its authenticity to ensure that you are installing trusted software. Use cryptographic signatures to verify the integrity and origin of the package.

Check for the presence of a valid GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) signature or a checksum provided by the package provider. Verifying the package’s authenticity helps prevent the installation of potentially malicious or tampered software.

2. ⚙️ Resolve Dependencies Efficiently

When installing RPM packages, it is essential to handle dependencies efficiently to ensure all required libraries and components are installed correctly. Use package management tools like dnf or yum to resolve dependencies during installation automatically. These tools can fetch and install the necessary dependencies from official repositories or trusted sources.

Regularly update the package lists and repositories to ensure you have the latest dependency information. Efficient dependency resolution helps avoid compatibility issues and ensures the smooth functioning of the installed software.

3. ⚠️ Avoid Mixing Package Managers

To maintain a stable and consistent system, it is crucial to avoid mixing different package managers. While Ubuntu primarily uses the APT package management system, installing RPM packages introduces the RPM package manager. Mixing these package managers can lead to conflicts, inconsistencies, and potential system instability.

Whenever possible, prioritize using DEB packages specifically designed for Ubuntu. If RPM packages are necessary, isolate them and ensure they do not interfere with the system’s native package management. Avoiding package manager mixing helps maintain a streamlined and well-managed system.

Ubuntu Install RPM: Summing Up

I have provided a step-by-step guide to install RPM on Ubuntu, how to install RPM file in Ubuntu directly, and emphasized best practices. By implementing the best practices, you can ensure successful RPM package installations on your Ubuntu system.

In addition to mastering RPM package installation, there are several other aspects of Linux package management and system administration worth exploring. Here are a few recommended articles to further enhance your knowledge: Advanced Package Management Techniques for Ubuntu, Building and Creating RPM Packages from Source, and Exploring APT Package Manager. By exploring these articles, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Linux package management, enabling you to become a proficient Ubuntu user.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to downgrade an RPM package on Ubuntu?

Yes, it is possible to downgrade an RPM package on Ubuntu. To accomplish this, use the rpm command with the --oldpackage flag. This flag allows you to install an older version of an RPM package, replacing the existing version. However, exercise caution when downgrading packages, which can lead to compatibility issues or software conflicts. It’s recommended to thoroughly test the downgraded package and ensure it meets your requirements before proceeding.

Is it possible to convert RPM packages to DEB format?

Yes, it is possible to convert RPM packages to DEB format using the alien tool. The alien command enables package format conversion, including RPM to DEB. To convert an RPM package to DEB format, you can use the following command: sudo alien -d package.rpm. Replace package.rpm with the actual name of the RPM package file. However, remember that using alien for package conversion may not always guarantee a seamless transition, as it involves converting package formats between different package management systems.

How can I update RPM packages on Ubuntu?

To update an RPM package on Ubuntu, you can use the rpm command with the -U flag followed by the updated package file. For instance, execute the following command: sudo rpm -U package.rpm. Replace package.rpm with the actual name of the updated RPM package file. This command will update the existing RPM package on your Ubuntu system with the new version. It’s important to ensure the updated package is compatible with your system and meets any dependency requirements.

Ojash

Author

Ojash is a skilled Linux expert and tech writer with over a decade of experience. He has extensive knowledge of Linux's file system, command-line interface, and software installations. Ojash is also an expert in shell scripting and automation, with experience in Bash, Python, and Perl. He has published numerous articles on Linux in various online publications, making him a valuable resource for both seasoned Linux users and beginners. Ojash is also an active member of the Linux community and participates in Linux forums.

Akshat

Reviewer

Akshat is a software engineer, product designer and the co-founder of Scrutify. He's an experienced Linux professional and the senior editor of this blog. He is also an open-source contributor to many projects on Github and has written several technical guides on Linux. Apart from that, he’s also actively sharing his ideas and tutorials on Medium and Attirer. As the editor of this blog, Akshat brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to provide readers with valuable insights and advice on a wide range of Linux-related topics.

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