Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

with the new firmware updated the red pill was removed an now i downloaded an .deb file i cant install it
My question is
How to install a .deb file (Aplication) With xTerminal????

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

dpkg -i filename.deb (as root)

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

i try but when i do that the xterminal say me i need:
requested operation requires superuser privilege
How i fix it?

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

That was what Rob1n meant by "as root".

You have to first have rootsh installed, and then "sudo gainroot" first. Then you can run that command.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Sorry but im noob on this i have the rootsh installed after i type sudo gainroot

But after that i dont know what i type.

I type the name of the filename but it say me No such file or directorie

I try this

on terminal dpkg -i flashlight-applet_0.2-0_armel.deb

It say no such file or directorie
Im noob on linux

Please let me know step by step

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

We can't really help much there ... you have to know where you downloaded it to??

It should return a path.. then do:

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Have a look on this thread, if you want to learn some basic commands for xterm http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=30505

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

One of the tricky things is that when you are logged in as root, you are considered a different user and start off in a different directory. So finding the file you just downloaded is the first issue.

Once you get used to it, this is a simple process, as pointed out above, but it is very confusing at first. I think that some Linux users enjoy these irritating aspects of things because it makes them feel superior. But of course any amoeba could understand directory structure; it's just not obvious to a newbie.

There used to be an easy way to deal with deb files, but it has been gotten rid of just to help you out!

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

I can feel the sarcasm.. but I actually totally agree with this. Because it will help you learn.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

So let's explain it, shall we?

As a regular user, your home directory is "/home/user/". However, what you normally see in N900 menus is a little beyond that. Your "default" folder is "/home/user/MyDocs/" (capitalisation *is* important). What N900 displays as "Documents" is in "/home/user/MyDocs/.documents/" (note the ".", it's required). If you change to "/home/user/MyDocs/" and issue a "ls -a" command, you'll se other folders as well. It's fairly obvious which dot-something folders correspond to what you see in "normal" N900 menus.

<fx>feels a little bit superior</fx>

;)

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

What tends to help people learn is other people actually helping them out by explaining a thing or two. Otherwise you just alienate people, presumably not a good thing. ;)

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

But what really takes the cake is that in other contexts those same directories can have different names, like the MyDocs directory is .documents, depending literally on how you look at it!

But this is just like a store that has a confusing layout, so it's hard to find Rice Krispies at first. Once you know, you know.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Perhaps.. sometimes I'm verbose.. sometimes I'm not. In this case.. I gave the commands the user needs to accomplish his task - finding out what the "find" command does is not that difficult.

I don't feel as if I've alienated anybody. I gave him/her a perfect starting point to figuring out what they need to do. Unfortunately, I don't know where they saved the file to - so cannot just give them the path.

Your previous description about the file structure was great, and I'm sure the OP will find it useful and was a good idea.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Really? (a genuine question)

I always found that .documents "translates" to Documents, and "MyDocs" is just root for the lot (Images, Documents, Camera, ...)

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Apologies. Missed your earlier post with the commands. Mea culpa...

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Learn what? Everybody who has an N900 should now know linux by heart and memorize words that make no sense for "normal" people?

Or should those who "ahem" actually have "other" jobs than linux and are not willing to allocate time to dpkg be left in the fog and depend on "repositories" and a constant internet connection, that both happen to go down from time to time?

I never really got what you guys hoped to achieve with that stupid terminal commands anyway - converting people, is that it? Making them "understand" the great power of the blinking cursor?
It's getting late and if installing a deb would mean clicking it I'd do it, but frankly it's kinda late here and typing stuff isn't my thing @ 1AM.

"Linux - constraining and alienating normal users since... forever."

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

*sigh*...

Whatever you say Bec.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

@Bec
It's sad when a chip on one's shoulder prevents one from seeing the tree, let alone the wood...

Otherwise, I agree with fatalsaint

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Yes I am a narrow-minded UI lover just don't consider me one of those "fancy UI lovers", my XP still looks like Win 95 ;)

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

It's not that.. it's just that you appear to be missing the point completely.

Stand-alone deb files are extremely dangerous. They can, and sometimes do, cause real problems with devices and systems. The only time you should be installing a deb file by hand is if you are troubleshooting/testing/developing. If you are doing any of those three things then yes.. you had better have a handle on your device and it's components.

Even if you "have a life", as you so eloquently elude to, you still should know exactly what you're doing, what it's doing when you do it, and if you really need to do it - before doing it.

By removing your fancy GUI.. it has forced people to learn this.. because it forces them into the command line. In my opinion, this is not a bad thing. As RevdKathy so greatly said once... I would appreciate my surgeon to use both hands and be focused when operating on me, I'm sure your N900 feels the same way.

A fanciful GUI to turn your $550 device into a paper-weight should not be missed..

ETA: And this will be the end of me arguing that... this discussion has been had many times, in many places. Those that agree with me agree, those that don't dont.. and at this point that isn't changing any time soon.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Sounds like the device isn't for you. I think its good Nokia took out the Red pill option, so new people wont screw up their phones faster. Forcing xterm use makes it a little harder for the normal user to install some random deb that may brick their phone.

Please be reminded the N900 is an internet tablet that tries to bring desktop experience to a mobile device. It's not suppose to be as easy to use as an iPhone, that little kids know how to use perfectly yet still ask their parents to tie their shoe. There is a learning curve when you first use a PC and troubleshooting it. N900 is the same, but you have to learn commands with linux.

I remember trying to use Redhat Linux back in the day when I was in 5th grade. It was too hard to use and I gave up on it. When Ubuntu came out it was much more usable for the average user and I was able to learn more without getting too frustrated.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

The reason I don't like running dpkg -i is that I keep forgetting dpkg and I have to look it up. It takes a lot of time to find things sometimes. How much have I learned about the structure of Linux by learning the abbreviation dpkg? It seems to me that I have learned practically nothing except those four letters in that order.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

It's possible. Whatever. The fact that I am still confused about this means that I should never have bought an N800, N810 and N900. I'm just not qualified.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

A surgeon cuts, his knowledge of phisiopathology is limitated compared to that one of a phisiopathologist. His knowledge about genetics tends to be zero.

aka.

a racedriver is not also a mechanic.

aka

dpkg does not teach anyrhing, it simply requires more clicks.

As for redpill I agree. For install from file I don't.

But the community has decided and I should stop b*tching... dunno why I really do it:eek:
Clicking the exe is deeply implemented in my system.:(

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

thank you very mucho you solve my problem xD

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

[QUOTE=Bec;4855
dpkg does not teach anyrhing, it simply requires more clicks.

As for redpill I agree. For install from file I don't.

But the community has decided and I should stop b*tching... ([/QUOTE]

This "the community has decided" thing masks some questionable assumptions. See that headline in the Off Topic area, where I am about to post it.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

If you're "not qualified" then why wade at all into the entrails? Just use what's obvious. If insist on going past the "simple user" boundary then you should be prepared for what lies there. N900 can be happily used without any of the Linux stuff, especially root access and dpkg. Once you take the red pill you can't blame others if it's difficult. Restore to factory defaults and enjoy your device. It's great even without the red pill stuff.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Well, you are welcome to look thru my messages and find the ones where I say "boo hoo, I can't get my N800, N810 or N900 to work". You won't find any. All my devices work fine.

I am saying that the interface is unnecessarily user-unfriendly. It is more unfriendly than the numerous versions of Linux that I have been running for years.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Which interface you mean? The one presented to a "regular" user or the one to achieve more "advanced" stuff? Remember N900 is primarily a consumer product, despite the fact geeks can have a ball, too. It's a fine balancing act Nokia had to perform here, and I think they did it quite well, even if they made things more geek friendly.

PS
Full disclosure: having mentioned Nokia, I must say I work for them, too. However, I am in no way associated with Maemo or N900 projects. My opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily, or even at all, reflect official Nokia position.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

You can either learn it, by, uh....learning it. Or, there is another way to skin a cat, install a gui that make things 'look' easier. Both emelfm2 and Midnight Commander has explorer like GUI, allows one to navigate your N900 like a, uh, window explorer. It is easier, but it is also more dangerous. Just like everything in life, the more easier, the more prone to make mistake.

Me? I have used emelfm2 and MC so much, I forgot ALL those heinous xterm commands, quote from user Jayonthebeat "I am NOT a role model" :)

bun

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

unnecessarily user-friendly? So... it's *too* user friendly? :confused: - misread your statement.

And I run Linux as well... find me the option to "install from file" in Synaptic... one of the most commonly used apt front-ends in debian-based systems?

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Right you are; I did not mean that every distro was better than this one in each and every respect.

But show me the distro that has a file manager that hides most of the files on the computer. All of the distros I have used have file managers that show all the main files, and most file managers have an eye or something that you click to see files that are normally invisible.

The concept is that unlike Microsoft, Linux prefers to let users see what is really going on, rather than hide things, even if they ARE complex. This is a big philosophical issue if you compare, say, running a government like China, where the people can't even see the deliberations of the people running the country, vs free countries, where everyone can see all the dirt.

When I hear people talking about protecting users from things, I reach for my revolver. (I don't have a revolver; I'm just paraphrasing a quote I saw somewhere.)

Yes, it's true that the files aren't technically invisible because you can see them from the command line, but putting obstacles in the way of users and making it harder to see them is a step down a slippery slope.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

You said it better than me. I totally agree.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

While this may be true.. maybe something missed your guys' attention: Linux is the minority of the market share.

If we want to see linux on Mainstream devices.. you give users what they are accustomed to. They are accustomed to Apple and Microsoft. the default behavior of the N900 emulates this type of configuration so users are not overwhelmed by a wealth of knowledge they have no idea what to do with.

Unlike Microsoft and Apple, however, Nokia is willing to overlook your finding the keys in daddy's drawer... and screwing around in his office.

(I would have said Nokia is more than willing to *give* you the keys.. but unfortunately: Until root is available straight from flash.. they fail in this regard, IMHO.)

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

I think you never worked in support. Do I need to show you how people on root shell may screw their phone easily, just mistyping? The widespread of forms and GUI is not just because of fun but to keep user under control.

Even with right typing the problems are mounted with root shell, because people now Has Access! And use it.

There is only one way to avoid root shell nightmare - give the customer what he wants in more simple way (via GUI).

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

The lure of Linux is based on combating some things that Microsoft does even though Microsoft iS successful. If it is necessary to turn into Microsoft to beat Microsoft, it's not worth the battle.

I think you know that and agree with it.

I think that the only real disagreement is over what users really want and what they will tolerate. I think that making it easy for users to understand and control what goes on with their computers is something users very much want. Anything that makes it easier for users to do either is a good thing. Making users focus on abstruse commands is not the best way of encouraging them.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

See and I'm not sure I agree there. Giving users the control they are accustomed to in an easy interface.. while retaining the capability of more advanced control is what I like.

Microsoft and Apple want to restrict you from even having the option to be advanced. I don't mind putting a pretty GUI on Linux and retaining the more advanced stuff under the hood.. in fact I think that's the only way it will appeal to users.

The problem is that users like to click things. Especially things that say "Do not click". It's like having sex as a teenager when everyone says not to in places that are inappropriate. It's not really about the sex... it's about being "naughty" :p.

By giving an easily installable "Install from File" a larger number of users wind up with full ROOTFS. Almost no Debian-based system uses /opt for it's files. So unless the deb file was specifically designed for Maemo - then they are dumping the entire deb onto their rootfs.. and yet your typical user has no idea what Opt is, why it's there.. what the purpose of it is..

But.. they have a little button that says "Install from file" and a WHOLLE debian repository telling them "Hey.. these are for armel! Armel is the same thing my maemo ones are for!" *clickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclick*.

ETA: I thought I said I was done with this discussion.. man I need to stop reading threads.... :p

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Which means they are accustomed to double-clicking on .EXE files. Your argument cuts both ways.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

Well.. I'll give you that one. Except that Apple doesn't just double click "exe"'s either... however the underlying point still stands that they are accustomed to double clicking the package of their OS's preference.

OTOH: Lets explore this a minute,
the iPhone you can not just double click a package file, because there is no package file.. you have to install through the iStore (or whatever it is).

Oh Android.. you can click a package file, after setting a setting in the settings panel to not protect you from being an idiot.

A Jailbroken iPhone will give you the ability to click on a file and install.. after you've voided your warranty.

A rooted Android is a PITA, and you still have to set that setting that you're ok with being stupid.

However, both Android and iPhone apps are limited in and of themselves in their access to the systems unless rooted, and both try to protect users from themselves in some way. Apple more so than google, but both the same. so the chances of installing a horrible app that crashes the device is less on these more controlled systems.

In Maemo, otoh, all of the application management is done as root with, or without rootsh installed. Which means that all apps have full control to everything on your phone. Something never before done on any other phone out there. It's an entirely new beast. Just a checkbox saying "Ok I'm dumb." isn't quite enough in this ecosystem. And even still, they aren't preventing you from installing the app - they are just making sure you really want to be dumb in order to do it.

Re: Anyone Know how to install a .deb file via Terminal?
 

hi can help me about instal deb file for examble my file was dumbed, when i open file manager path showing Nokia N900/documents/
but not instaling erro coming "cannot access archive: No such file or directory error wer encounterd while processing 1.deb"