Package installation

Hi All,

I have just installed Debian server and am a little confused about the packages.

So far, I have managed to install packages available within Synaptic package manager by marking them for installation and then applying those changes.

What I am unable to do at the moment is install a package I have downloaded from the debian site which is not in the list.

Heres where I am so far.

Have downloaded packages from site packages.debian.org (fileZilla server, and 3dChess) just to practice with...
Packages are currently located on desktop and unpacked

Attempted to add downloaded package within synaptic package manager by browsing to the desktop folder, selecting the package and clicking add. The package goes into a list on the left and then doesnt seem to do anything.

I have also tried running aptitude, but that confuses me.

Im sure this is simple, and probably requires me to place my package folder somewhere so that it can be seen. Is there a default isntall directory or something? can anyone tell me what I am missing..

EDIT: I think maybe to install these packages with synaptic manager they mat need to have a "Generate package script"?

Thanks

Dirk

Disregard that... right click -> Open with Gdebi (worked)

You can also (from the command line) simply issue the command
apt-get install <packagename>

I haven't had to manually download and install a package in a loooong time, but IIRC, this command applies to local files.

You should get to know some of the basic apt-get commands, as they are essential for proper debian system management. Also make sure you understand the way /etc/apt/sources.lst is utilized and how to edit and add entries.

I personally have never heard of the two package managers you mentioned, I guess I'm behind the times.

man apt-get