Content:: Debian Package Management with dpkg
Debian Package Management with dpkg
What would I use dpkg for?
The dpkg program will allow you to install, remove, and view the contents of a Debian (.deb) file. If you want to update a kernel in Debian you can download a pre-packaged kernel and install it without having to compile or install a new operating system. Some applications like adobe flash don't exist in the stable Debian package lists as they are not completely free software so you may need to download the Debian file repositories and install it with dkpg. Some programs you may want to use aren't well known or maintained by any of the Debian file repositories and the file may be available by the author, dpkg will allow you to download the application and install it with little trouble.
Dpkg is a command line program and may appear to be complex at first compared to other tools like aptitude or synaptic.
Using dpkg
Installing an application can be done with the --install or -i switch followed by the file name. # dpkg -i DebianFileName
# dpkg -i linux-image-2.6.32-5-686_2.6.32-30_i386.deb
Removing an application can be done with the --remove or -r switched followed by the file name or the package name. # dpkg -r DebianFileName or DebianPackageName
# dpkg -r linux-image-2.6.32-5-686_2.6.32-30_i386.deb
You can list the debain packages currently installed with -l switch # dpkg -l
A list will show three columns Name, Version and Description.
||/ Name Version Description +++-======================-======================-============================================================ ii acpid 1.0.4-5 Utilities for using ACPI power management ii adduser 3.102 Add and remove users and groups ii apt 0.6.46.4-0.1 Advanced front-end for dpkg ii apt-utils 0.6.46.4-0.1 APT utility programsOther dpkg switches to note
# dpkg –unpack
# dpkg –configure
# dpkg –remove
# dpkg –-purge
