How do I install a package downloaded from another site?

[jqball2u]

Every now and again, I open an application and it tells me that there is a newer version available (assumably, before it is made available via SPM) ... like web browsers, picture viewers, etc.

I download the package and click on it and an archiver app opens to show me what is inside it; so, I right-click on the file to try to choose another app to install it but see nothing that has anything to do with installing .deb's [dpkg?] or .rpm's [alien(?)] - - which leaves me to download a tarball and hope that the contents of the tar gets installed everywhere it needs to be in order for the app to work.

Is there some app or utility I can add to the list of 'open with' (& how do I add to the 'open with' list?) to install .deb's and .rpm's (maybe in a terminal, so I can see the output)? Maybe even a script I can add to the 'open with' to install tarballs (.tar, .tar.gz, & etc)?

Thanks for any help y'all can give...
QBall

[Rudge]

QBall, It is typically a "no-no" to install anything from outside the repositories unless you know exactly what you are doing.

The best course of action is to make a "New Package Request" for any application that you would like to see in the repos.

Follow the rules for making such a request and good luck.   

http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/board,82.0.html 

[Old-Polack]

If your goal is to totally destroy the stability of your PCLinuxOS system, that's about the best way to do it that I know. Your system will automatically become unsupported, so you get to try to figure out how to glue all the broken pieces back together on your own.

[Crow]

Newer versions are promptly available from repos, if not please make a package request.

If you want to be adventurous please do it in a Virtual Box install or in another partition so you don't compromise your main install, break and repair an install is an excellent way to learn 

[jqball2u]

QBall, It is typically a "no-no" to install anything from outside the repositories unless you know exactly what you are doing.

The best course of action is to make a "New Package Request" for any application that you would like to see in the repos.

Follow the rules for making such a request and good luck.  

http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/board,82.0.html  

What I'd meant was updates for apps I'd previously installed via SPM.

How long does it usually take for an update for one or three (give or take) applications in the repo's to be ready after the apps authors have released the updates (via the app's internal updater)? In case I didn't make that clear ... some applications (like web browsers, Adobe Acrobat, Open Office / Libre Office, etc.) have built-in update checks and ask if I want to download the update(s)...but some pop up a web browser for me to manually download the update (via either/or .rpm/.deb/.tar.gz), then I'd have to install it myself, instead of it automagically doing it for me (like with Windows).

So far I haven't seen much, except maybe some games, that I'd like to see available for my PCLOS system that I'd feel the need to request any ... but that's why I, finally, took another PCLOS users advice in another post and installed Full Monty on my PC instead of using FM in a VMware virtual system. I have left Windows 7 installed but I also have it in a VB machine on my FM system...to play games and apps that are only available for Windows.

[jqball2u]

If your goal is to totally destroy the stability of your PCLinuxOS system, that's about the best way to do it that I know. Your system will automatically become unsupported, so you get to try to figure out how to glue all the broken pieces back together on your own.

My 'goal' isn't to 'totally destroy the stability of your PCLinuxOS system' but to keep it (the most vulnerable apps, that is) updated for security reasons.

[jqball2u]

Newer versions are promptly available from repos, if not please make a package request.

If you want to be adventurous please do it in a Virtual Box install or in another partition so you don't compromise your main install, break and repair an install is an excellent way to learn 

But how quickly is that, usually? I don't know how quick the great peeps that put PCLOS/FM together for us (or the ones responsible for the repos, if they different peeps) get those updates after the apps authors have them released...not trying to be pushy, just that I don't know how quick things are done or able to be done, is all.

[Rudge]

Newer versions are promptly available from repos, if not please make a package request.

If you want to be adventurous please do it in a Virtual Box install or in another partition so you don't compromise your main install, break and repair an install is an excellent way to learn  

But how quickly is that, usually? I don't know how quick the great peeps that put PCLOS/FM together for us (or the ones responsible for the repos, if they different peeps) get those updates after the apps authors have them released...not trying to be pushy, just that I don't know how quick things are done or able to be done, is all.

Those "peeps" be us.

If you run across an app that has an "update" to it that you would like in the repo, make a request.

The Packagers can't possibly keep up with all the updates to every application so they rely on US to make a "Package Request".

You start to see why "We" (you and me) are the "Peeps" that you are referring to ??  

When you are a part of this distro, you ARE a part of this distro.

It will get done faster than a hound dog can catch a fried chicken wing.  

I have made package requests that are in the repo the same day.

I ain't saying that will happen every time but it has happened to me.

[snoz]

My 'goal' isn't to 'totally destroy the stability of your PCLinuxOS system' but to keep it (the most vulnerable apps, that is) updated for security reasons.

If an update is genuinely for security reasons it gets swift attention by the PCLOS devs.

[Just17]

How long does it usually take for an update for one or three (give or take) applications in the repo's to be ready after the apps authors have released the updates (via the app's internal updater)? In case I didn't make that clear ... some applications (like web browsers, Adobe Acrobat, Open Office / Libre Office, etc.) have built-in update checks and ask if I want to download the update(s)...but some pop up a web browser for me to manually download the update (via either/or .rpm/.deb/.tar.gz), then I'd have to install it myself, instead of it automagically doing it for me (like with Windows).

First thing that needs to be said is that all software releases are not good .... and so they are checked for various aspects before being released to the repository.

Interestingly of the three you mention ......
LO is often ready ahead of official release .....  check the forum for info
Adobe .......  I stay well clear so have no idea whatsoever
Browsers ......  sometimes we are a little behind ..... but not often, and never if it concerns security updates.

I suggest you do not proceed with updating apps from outside the repo .....  reasons already given.

Turn off auto-update in the apps ......  and if you find one that has auto update by default set I suggest you report it so that on the next build it can be disabled.

If you have a feature or security concern and require an update, post in the designated forum section providing details. It will be given due consideration.

[Ramchu]

If you read this it may help you to understand how and why.
http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,42874.0.html

[Georgetoon]

(Megaphone on) Put down the outside software application...slowly back away...

[Crow]

(Megaphone on) Put down the outside software application...slowly back away...

Or join the testers group, they always have the latest 

[Neal ManBear]

(Megaphone on) Put down the outside software application...slowly back away...

Or join the testers group, they always have the latest 

     
Or get a PASS account and get updates* about 5 days ahead of the public repository.     

* Security updates usually go to the public repository on the same day as they go to PASS.     

[jqball2u]

Okay...thanks y'all! After reading all the replys and this post, http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/board,82.0.html, I promise no more updating outside of the repos! I'll be turning off all "update"s on all apps installed (or will click 'cancel' when prompted)!