How to install an rpm file?

[zonker]

I downloaded a printer driver as a .gz file, which uncompressed to a .rpm file.  How do I get Synaptic to see local .rpm files?

[daniel]

Wich printer driver you need?

Did you search in synaptic?

[MGBguy]

Wich printer driver you need?

Did you search in synaptic?

Zonker,

May I add...
It's not recommended to install applications/drivers from outside the repositories.
What printer are you using? How is it connected?
Likely...everything you need is in Synaptic.
Did you try setting up your printer through PCC first?

[glamdring]

I downloaded a printer driver as a .gz file, which uncompressed to a .rpm file.  How do I get Synaptic to see local .rpm files?

As stated earlier only install from RPM if you know what your doing or it is necessary.

But to answer your question.
This page describes RPMs and explains installing them pretty well: http://www.tuxfiles.org/linuxhelp/rpminstall.html

I suggest you read the whole thing so you understand what is happening when you get echos in the terminal.

[dixonpete]

Before doing anything else I'd  scan the forums for your particular printer.

As an aside and possible for future reference HP printers are wonderfully supported. In my experience they are auto-detected all you need are a few OK's and you are good to go. My Epson WorkForce 310 was like that. Nice when it happens that way.

[Aradalf]

Before doing anything else I'd  scan the forums for your particular printer.

As an aside and possible for future reference HP printers are wonderfully supported. In my experience they are auto-detected all you need are a few OK's and you are good to go. My Epson WorkForce 310 was like that. Nice when it happens that way.

Same with my HP Deskjet D2530 Printer.

[wedgetail]

zonker
There is some problems with a very small number of hp inkjet printers, because of that please give the model and make of your printer.  I may be able to tell within seconds if your printer belongs to that group.  Also possible that I will need some more information from you.

A .gz file does not need to treated as member of an rpm, but I will need the make/model of your printer to be sure. The .gz file is likely to be the compressed form of a .pdd file which is very likely to be what you need.  

Edit: Above paragraph depends on where you got your file from, I made an assumption here that you were seeking a specific ppd file.


Aradalf
Are you saying that this printer is a simple install? I am intrigued.

[Aradalf]

Aradalf
Are you saying that this printer is a simple install? I am intrigued.

Mine? Yes, all I had to do was plug it in, and it automagically started working.

[Ertain]

If all of these guys's advice didn't work just type in

Code: [Select]

$ rpm -Uvh <rpm file>as root.  Just like these guys say, it's best to just install something from the repository, on the account it could mess up your system (can't verify all of those files, you know).

[wedgetail]

Aradalf
You are presenting me with a very interesting situation.  Do you know what your printer driver is named? I am very interested in that. 

[Aradalf]

Aradalf
You are presenting me with a very interesting situation.  Do you know what your printer driver is named? I am very interested in that.  

How would I find that out? In addition, I suspect this is the case for more than 90% of PCLOS users, since they don't ever post any problems, or even register on the forum.

[MGBguy]

Zonker? You there? 

[wedgetail]

Aradalf
Ok, I am too qurious. The easiest way to tell is probably just to enter in your browser address line:

http://localhhost:631

A page will show, clearly identifying the CUPS 1.4.6
Towards the left is a TAB called Printers click and next page will show "all your printers"

something like here, just two lines (printers) from my testing setup, it is a bit misaligned column wise but you will recognise it:

▼ Queue Name ▼   Description   Location   Make and Model   Status
Bitzbox   deskjet_pro_8000   here   HP Officejet Pro 8000 a809, hpcups 3.10.9   Idle
Bitzbox-3   hp officejet pro 8000   here   HP Officejet Pro 8000 a809, hpcups 3.10.9.11   Idle

Just post your line(s). (Crossing my fingers)   

[Aradalf]

Just post your line(s). (Crossing my fingers)   

The printers tab shows this:

Code: [Select]

▼ Queue Name ▼ Description Location Make and Model Status
HPDeskje2500 HP Deskjet D2500 HP Deskjet d2500 Series, hpcups 3.10.9 Idle

and when I click the printer name, I get this:

Code: [Select]

Description: HP Deskjet D2500
Location:
Driver: HP Deskjet d2500 Series, hpcups 3.10.9 (color, 2-sided printing)
Connection: hp:/usb/Deskjet_D2500_series?serial=TH8C42602X055M
Defaults: job-sheets=none, none media=na_letter_8.5x11in sides=one-sided


[wedgetail]

Aradalf
Thank you, the finger crossing worked  ,  from your first item I got the identification I was after. It raises another question for me but you are fine.

The reason I was intrigued is, I have access to a list of about 13,000 plus printer driver names and your HP was not in that list.  The list was to have been my master list. I have access to another list with 8000 plus names and your printer was not in that list either. Combining the two lists I thought I had anything covered but not so.

My curiosity is now to find out why that printer is not in either of those two lists. This will have to go on the shelf for the moment.  In a few weeks I may come back and ask you for some more help if that is ok.