Installing software on Linux Mint

Installing software on Linux Mint tar.bz

#1 lime237

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Posted 03 April 2011 - 11:59 PM

Hi there everyone,
I am currently running Linux Mint, how do I install software that comes in .tar.bz? Whenever I double click on it, archive manager opens up and asks where I would like to extract the files. When I extract them, I am left with some files but the software itself is not installed. When I had Ubuntu (which Linux Mint is based on I guess), all I had to do was to double click on those and they would install. Any idea how to fix this?
Thank you!

#2 Andrew

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Posted 04 April 2011 - 02:58 AM

.tar.bz archives usually contain the program in source form. You will need to compile the program before you can run it. 99% of the time, compiling an application is a quick 3-command process outlined in this tutorial: http://www.codecoffee.com/tipsforlinux/articles/27.html Make sure you have the necessary tools installed by issuing this command from the terminal:

sudo apt-get install build-essential

This will install the necessary compiler and ancillary files to compile most programs. As always, look for and read the readme.txt and install.txt files which should come in the archive (one or the other or both may be present.)

This post has been edited by Andrew: 04 April 2011 - 02:58 AM

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#3 1002 Richard S

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Posted 05 April 2011 - 02:28 PM

lime237,
Are you sure it wasn't .deb files that were the simple double click?

Also before going down .ta.bz have you checked Synaptic? Often overlooked I've noticed at other forums.

Richard

#4 lime237

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Posted 07 April 2011 - 06:04 PM

Hey Richard,
Not exactly sure, but I remember for example downloading printer drivers that came in tar.bz form in Ubuntu and those worked fine. Also, I've tried to check Synaptic, but it didn't have what I needed.

#5 1002 Richard S

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Posted 12 April 2011 - 11:56 PM

Sorry 'bout that. Just a thought ... are you running Linux Mint Ubuntu based or Linux Mint Debian Edition? Not sure if that makes a difference but thought I'd ask.

#6 lime237

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Posted 08 May 2011 - 11:18 PM

No worries. I am running Ubuntu-based Linux Mint. Sorry for the late reply...

#7 1002 Richard S

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Posted 20 May 2011 - 11:24 AM

Sorry for late reply too!

Let's 'bump' and see if anyone can advise.

#8 cryptodan

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Posted 08 June 2011 - 10:01 AM

The process I use is this:

tar -jxvf filename.tar.bz2 if the file is ending in gz then you type in tar -zxvf filename.tar.gz then follow the rest.

cd filename

less README/INSTALL

./configure

make && make install

The Install and Readme Files contain instructions on how to install it for your platform.

Keep in mind the ./configure script can error out if it doesn't find a required library or dependency.

My work schedule is as follows: Mon and Tues 1800 to 0600, Friday - Sunday 1800EST to 0600, and Wednesday to Thursday 1800est to 0600. So if I do not respond right away I am at work.
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