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How To Install RPM Packages on Ubuntu 22.04
In this guide, we want to teach you How To Install RPM Packages on Ubuntu 22.04. RPM stands for Red Hat Package Manager. RPM is a powerful Package Manager for Red Hat, SUSE, and Fedora Linux. It can be used to build, install, query, verify, update, and remove/erase individual software packages. A Package consists of an archive of files and package information, including name, version, and description.
You can now proceed to the guide steps below on the Orcacore website to install RPM packages on Ubuntu by using the Alien tool.
Table of Contents
Steps To Install RPM Packages on Ubuntu 22.04
To complete this guide for installing RPM packages with Alien on Ubuntu, you must log in to your server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. To do this, you can follow our guide on the Initial Server Setup with Ubuntu 22.04.
Now follow the steps below to complete the guide steps.
1. Install Alien command-line Tool on Ubuntu 22.04
Alien is a command-line tool that allows you to convert Debian packages to RPM packages, and vice versa. So you need to have it installed on your server.
First, update your local package index with the following command:
sudo apt udpateThen, use the command below to install Alien on Ubuntu 22.04:
sudo apt install alien -yVerify your Alien installation by checking its version:
alien --version
2. Convert RPM Packages with Alien on Ubuntu
At this point, you can use the alien tool to convert the RPM package you have.
Important Note: To use this tool, the RPM binary of the software must be on your system before converting it.
sudo alien software-package.rpmFor example, ZenMap GUI is not available in the Deb binary, only in the RPM one. To convert it, run the command below:
sudo alien zenmap-7.92-1.noarch.rpmThis will convert and save the RPM binary to a Debian one.
Install Debian Binary
At this point, you have the Debian binary for your RPM package on Ubuntu 22.04. Now, you can install the same using the given syntax:
sudo dpkg -i package.debFor example:
sudo dpkg -i zenmap-7.92-2.noarch.debAlternatively, if you want to perform installation and conversion both at the same time, use the following syntax:
sudo alien -i your-package.rpmConclusion
Installing RPM packages on Ubuntu 22.04 is possible using tools like alien, which converts RPM files to DEB format. While Ubuntu is Debian-based and prefers .deb packages, this method allows you to use software distributed in RPM format when no DEB version is available. However, it’s best to use native packages or official repositories whenever possible to maintain system stability.
Hope you enjoy this guide from the Basic Linux Tutorials.
You may also like to read the following articles:
Add Essential Software Repositories on Fedora Linux
RPM Package Management in RHEL
Use YUM and RPM Package Managers on AlmaLinux
FAQs
Can I install RPM packages directly on Ubuntu?
No, Ubuntu uses DEB packages. You need to convert RPM files using tools like alien.
Is it safe to use Alien for converting packages?
Generally yes, but it’s not recommended for critical or system-level packages. Always prefer DEB or official sources.
What are the risks of using RPM packages on Ubuntu?
Compatibility issues or missing dependencies may occur since RPMs are designed for Red Hat-based systems.
Are there alternatives to Alien?
Not directly for RPM conversion, but you can often find software in Flatpak, Snap, or source formats compatible with Ubuntu.
