How Do I Install New Linux Software?

Before we talk about how to install a new package with RPM, let's look at the file name of a typical RPM package. If the file is named panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm, then the package name is panda, the version number is 2.0, the release number is 1, and the format is i386 (Intel compatible). The file name of a n RPM package doesn't have to be in this format, but this is the convention that is commonly used. To install the panda package, you enter the command

rpm -ivh panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm
panda ####################################

In response, RPM prints the name of the package, followed by a bunch of pound signs as the package is installed, to let you know something is happening.

Package Already Installed?

If the package is already installed, RPM will quit and print an error message like this:

panda package panda-2.0-1 is already installed
error: panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm cannot be installed

If you want to ignore the error and install the package anyway, add the --replacepkgs flag to the RPM command line, as in this example:

rpm -ivh --replacepkgs panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm
panda ####################################

Conflicting Files?

If you're installing a package that contains a file that is part of a previously installed package, RPM will quit and print an error message like this:

rpm -ivh panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm
panda /usr/bin/fluff conflicts with file from spiff-1.0-1
error: panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm cannot be installed

If you're sure that it's okay to replace the existing /usr/bin/fluff file with the copy in the panda package, you can tell RPM to ignore that error by adding the --replacefiles flag to the RPM command line, as in this example:

rpm -ivh --replacefiles panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm
panda ####################################

Unresolved Dependencies?

If you try to install a package that requires some other packages to run properly, RPM will quit and print an error message like this:

rpm -ivh hotrod-1.0-1.i386.rpm
failed dependencies:
gasoline is needed by hotrod-1.0-1

In this case, RPM is saying that the hotrod package requires that the gasoline package be installed first. If you think RPM is just trying to spoil your fun, you can add the --nodeps flag, as in the next example. RPM will skip the dependency checks and install the package anyway, but the hotrod package probably won't run correctly without gasoline.

rpm -ivh --nodeps panda-2.0-1.i386.rpm
panda ####################################

Previous Lesson: Updating Your Linux System
Next Lesson: Uninstalling Packages w/ RPM

Comments - most recent first (Please feel free to answer questions posted by others!) Azrul     (14 Mar 2013, 02:45) im trying to ugrade he package but conflicts.. then i used 'rpm -Uvh --replacepkgs glibc-common-2.5-42.i386.rpm' and it showed "glibc < 2.5 conflicts with glibc-common-2.5-42.i386" after that i tried to do a replacefiles " rpm -ivh --replacefiles glibc-common-2.5-42.i386.rpm" and it also showed "glibc < 2.5 conflicts with glibc-common-2.5-42.i386" do you have any idea to solve this? as im trying to upgrade or change the glibc-2.3.4-2.41 to glibc-2.5-42. Majed     (12 Dec 2011, 09:25) to install .tar.gz first untar then cd to the untarred directory then type ./configure then type "make" then "make install" . the directory usually contains a conure file which is used for installation. Nice&Cool     (14 Oct 2011, 19:36) The best Linux mentor I ever came across! Sounds as if he illustrating to me how to eat food. A tutorial for installing .tar, pleeeeaaaase. Thanks senthil     (27 Aug 2011, 05:44) how to install the tar.gz file pls help me Shirley     (02 Mar 2011, 15:32) This is your best topic yet! Jeny     (15 Dec 2010, 02:30) I've been looking for a page like this for a LONG time. I like Linux, but I've been a little baffled at times - my DOS background is biting me in the butt on occasion with it. lol Thank you SO much for putting this together! It's so complete and comprehensive, I can't see how anyone would need anything else! Anugraha Sinha     (03 Nov 2010, 15:27) Hi, What would be the option for forcing rpm to install the dependencies also during the installation from the default installation source. So if there is a dependency it would be installed from the source media or get upgraded from the kernel mirror websites. takdog469@gmail.com     (19 Jun 2010, 16:16) hey doc,hope its not a dumb q but i am a noob;so what is the diff between rpm and portage or is rpm a component of portage .when searching i gets (usr/portage/app-arch/ in at the deep end :installed sabayon to laptop yes have already been told its not fer noobs like me but ya gotta learn some how...cheers Nelly     (11 May 2010, 00:38) good elaboration of commands. I welcome your comments. However... I am puzzled by many people who say "Please send me the Linux tutorial." This website *is* your Linux Tutorial! Read everything here, learn all you can, ask questions if you like. But don't ask me to send what you already have. :-) NO SPAM! If you post garbage, it will be deleted, and you will be banned. *Name: Email: Notify me about new comments on this page Hide my email *Text:

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