Install .rpm files in Ubnutu with Alien

Many times we Ubuntu users run into files that aren't as simple to install as double clicking, as is the case with deb's and exe's. The Adobe flash plug-in is a good example. That's where Alien come in. Just copy and paste the following in a terminal and you're on your way.

sudo apt-get install alien dpkg-dev debhelper build-essential

For this next part you will need to change to the directory where you downloaded the file. If you're using Firefox the file is most likely in your Downloads folder unless you changed the default save location. When you open the terminal you should be at: "username@computername:~$" from here just type "cd Downloads" (don't forget to capitalize the "D") then type "dir" to find your file. If your prompt looks different type "cd .." and repeat until you get to "username@computername:/$". after that just type "cd home", press enter, then tpye "cd username", then type "cd Downloads". You should now be in the correct directory. Next copy and paste the following:

sudo alien packagename.rpm

The file should now be converted to a ".deb". However, Alien changes the file name so you will need to type "dir" again to see the newly created file.

From here you can either enter the command below or simply browse to the Downloads folder and double click the newly created deb file.

sudo dpkg -i packagename.deb