Why can't I install tarballs in Ubuntu?

Question

I can use the terminal to automatically install packages, but every time I try to install a manually downloaded tar.gz file, it doesn't work for some reason. Every single time! I've tried to manually extract the file and run all of the files inside to try and initiate the compilation, I've tried setting the directory to the extracted tarball and configure, but it always gives me some sort of error that I'm missing files.

My system is up to date, and I've installed packages before, I just can't manually do it. I have Ubuntu 9.04, but I upgraded as soon as I installed it (I assume this means I have Karmic Koala 9.10). What is wrong? I'm not an expert with linux, and would just like to be able to install programs manually.


Trying to install an itunes alternative, I get this message after typing ./configure:

checking for LIBGPOD... configure: error: Package requirements (glib-2.0 >= 2.8.0 gobject-2.0) were not met:

No package 'glib-2.0' found
No package 'gobject-2.0' found

Consider adjusting the PKG_CONFIG_PATH environment variable if you
installed software in a non-standard prefix.

Alternatively, you may set the environment variables LIBGPOD_CFLAGS
and LIBGPOD_LIBS to avoid the need to call pkg-config.
See the pkg-config man page for more details.

Answer 1

Ah yes. This is WHY one tries to use the package manager for your distro as much as possible. And in fact debian has a package called gpod-python which I haven't looked into (I googled it: I'm on slackware) Looking further I find that there are .deb packages for Ubuntu:



http://packages.ubuntu.com/cgi-bin/search_packages.pl?keywords=libgpod&searchon=names&subword=1&version=dapper&release=all



You realize of course, you are trying to build it from source code. Have you installed build-essential yet? Ubuntu doesn't include everything you need to compile from source out of the box. I can't imagine glib-2.0 wouldn't be there but I can easily imagine gobject-2.0 wouldn't be. I would use a terminal and run a sudo apt-cache search glib gobject and see what you get -- and whether they are installed. The list may be long but it is still easier to hunt through it than synaptic. Then I would look for libgpod and gtkpod (either in synaptic or through apt) and download them that way. If you really insist you can rebuild everything using apt. The alternative is find the files on your system, READ the configure file in your gpod directory and make the necessary adjustments.



But you are really better off either JUST using synaptic (enable multiverse in /etc/apt/sources.list) or downloading a .deb file and typing dpkg -i .deb.

Answer 2

You can get the latest version of Winrar here: http://bit.ly/1o0M15D



I like Winrar because it's a very good program to compress/decompress files in many different formats. You could also use other programs like 7zip or winzip for the same purpose but I think Winrar is the best option avalable. The funcionalities are pretty much the same for each program (you basically do everything with a simple right-click of your mouse) but Winrar is by far the best option.



The things I like about winrar is that it opens a bunch of compressed formats: .zip, .rar, .7z / 7zip, .iso, .tar, .jar etc. (much more than the other programs) and that it's 100% (trial period never expired so you can use it for free with no limitations)



These are the reasons why I recommend Winrar.

Answer 3

This is a safe link where you can download winrar for free here http://bit.ly/1v2nWkq



You can use winrar to unzip zip files (or to open compressed folder). 7zip or winzip are other softwares you can use for the same purpose but winrar is by far the best one. All these programs work in a very similar way: you just have to right click the file to zip or unzip any folders or files.



If you don't want a trial version don't worry. The trial period of winrar never ends so you can use it for free with no limitations.



With WINRAR you will be able to open all the type of compressed folder like file .zip, .rar, .7z, .7zip .iso, .tar, .jar etc... that's the main reason why I recommend it.

Answer 4

The quote which you published meaning gibberish to you potential: there is not any one thank you to place in a document it extremely is compressed with .tar.gz. it extremely is a compression technique used for many purposes and you are able to not tell from the .tar.gz the way you're to deal with it. it extremely is nearly a homestead windows zip in basic terms because of the fact it extremely is a compressed document yet you are able to not make and extra comparisons. In different phrases you ought to study any training which may be contained with the compressed document like README.txt, installation.txt and so on. Or the author assumed which you may understand what to do as quickly as you uncompressed the equipment, it extremely is it extremely is "meant for experts". in case you desire to place in a software/application in ubuntu you ought to first use the outfitted in equipment supervisor: Synaptic, rather in case you're new to linux/ubuntu. in case you are able to not locate the archives mandatory by making use of Synaptic you ought to google for call of software +ubuntu. If that still does not furnish a answer you ought to submit a question inquiring for a thank you to place in that software. the 2d hyperlink explains a thank you to deal with the tarball (.tar.gz). you will must be waiting to apply the terminal. solid success

Answer 5

Hmm... I've used Linux quite a bit and I've never seen this. Just ran a quick google search on LIBGPOD and it looks like some type of code for iPod's?



Since I'm at school and not at my computer, I can't check into it. Hit me up with an email and I'll get back to you tonight hopefully. It's [e-mail]



Possibly looking through the software center you might be able to install it in there, if it's in the repo's

Answer 6

Ubuntu doesn't ship with the compilers and libraries needed to build most software and they put the development headers in separate -dev packages.



Either install the dependencies or use a more complete distro like Slackware.

Answer 7

Installing Software on Ubuntu

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installingsoftware



Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Karmic



For iTunes take a look at these open source options



Rhythmbox

http://projects.gnome.org/rhythmbox/



gtkpod (good for syncing)

http://www.gtkpod.org/about.html



Songbird

http://www.getsongbird.com/



aTunes

http://www.atunes.org/





LUg.

Answer 8

Hey there,

This is a good link for downloading Winrar for free http://bitly.com/1p3PQHZ

To unzip compressed files or folders you have to use WinRar.

Good Bye