If the program you need only exists as a .deb , your best bet is to find a different program that is native to Fedora, or install VirtualBox and run Ubuntu inside it to use that .deb .
Fedora 17 (Beefy Miracle) was released in 2012 and is end-of-life . While this guide explains the methodology for historical or specific software needs, modern Fedora users should always prefer .rpm packages or Flatpak. This article is written as an archival/tutorial piece for a user stuck with that specific scenario. How to Install a DEB Package on Fedora 17: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Users System: Fedora 17 (Beefy Miracle) Target Audience: Absolute Beginner Goal: Successfully install software from a .deb file despite Fedora using .rpm packages. Important Warning for New Users If you are reading this, you have likely downloaded a file ending in .deb (Debian/Ubuntu package) and are trying to double-click it on Fedora 17. Fedora does not natively understand .deb files.
dpkg -i my_program.deb # DO NOT RUN THIS ON FEDORA Fedora 17 does not have dpkg (Debian package manager), and trying to force-install it will break your library paths and render your system unstable. Troubleshooting for Fedora 17 New Users Problem 1: "Command not found: alien" Solution: You skipped Step 3 in Prerequisites. Run su -c 'yum install alien' again. Problem 2: The RPM installs, but the program won't launch Solution: The .deb was compiled for a different Linux kernel or C library (glibc). Fedora 17 uses older libraries. You need to find a native .rpm or source code instead. Problem 3: I need a GUI tool – I hate the terminal Solution: On Fedora 17, there is no safe GUI to install .deb files. Right-clicking the .deb and selecting "Open with Archive Manager" will only extract the files (like a zip), but it will not install the program into your system. install deb package on fedora 17 user new
su -c 'yum localinstall my_program-*.rpm' Type y to proceed.
su -c 'yum install alien' Type y when asked "Is this ok [y/N]". Do not try to install the .deb directly. Follow these steps exactly. Step 1: Locate your .deb file Assume your file is called my_program.deb and it is sitting in your Downloads folder. Step 2: Navigate to the Downloads folder cd ~/Downloads List the files to confirm it is there: If the program you need only exists as a
Do not force square pegs into round holes. Use Fedora’s native package manager ( yum ) for a smooth experience.
Search on rpmfind.net for your program with "Fedora 17." This article is written as an archival/tutorial piece
Trying to force a .deb package onto Fedora is like trying to put diesel fuel into a gasoline car—they are different systems. However, if you absolutely need a specific program that only exists as a .deb file, you must convert it.
If the program you need only exists as a .deb , your best bet is to find a different program that is native to Fedora, or install VirtualBox and run Ubuntu inside it to use that .deb .
Fedora 17 (Beefy Miracle) was released in 2012 and is end-of-life . While this guide explains the methodology for historical or specific software needs, modern Fedora users should always prefer .rpm packages or Flatpak. This article is written as an archival/tutorial piece for a user stuck with that specific scenario. How to Install a DEB Package on Fedora 17: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Users System: Fedora 17 (Beefy Miracle) Target Audience: Absolute Beginner Goal: Successfully install software from a .deb file despite Fedora using .rpm packages. Important Warning for New Users If you are reading this, you have likely downloaded a file ending in .deb (Debian/Ubuntu package) and are trying to double-click it on Fedora 17. Fedora does not natively understand .deb files.
dpkg -i my_program.deb # DO NOT RUN THIS ON FEDORA Fedora 17 does not have dpkg (Debian package manager), and trying to force-install it will break your library paths and render your system unstable. Troubleshooting for Fedora 17 New Users Problem 1: "Command not found: alien" Solution: You skipped Step 3 in Prerequisites. Run su -c 'yum install alien' again. Problem 2: The RPM installs, but the program won't launch Solution: The .deb was compiled for a different Linux kernel or C library (glibc). Fedora 17 uses older libraries. You need to find a native .rpm or source code instead. Problem 3: I need a GUI tool – I hate the terminal Solution: On Fedora 17, there is no safe GUI to install .deb files. Right-clicking the .deb and selecting "Open with Archive Manager" will only extract the files (like a zip), but it will not install the program into your system.
su -c 'yum localinstall my_program-*.rpm' Type y to proceed.
su -c 'yum install alien' Type y when asked "Is this ok [y/N]". Do not try to install the .deb directly. Follow these steps exactly. Step 1: Locate your .deb file Assume your file is called my_program.deb and it is sitting in your Downloads folder. Step 2: Navigate to the Downloads folder cd ~/Downloads List the files to confirm it is there:
Do not force square pegs into round holes. Use Fedora’s native package manager ( yum ) for a smooth experience.
Search on rpmfind.net for your program with "Fedora 17."
Trying to force a .deb package onto Fedora is like trying to put diesel fuel into a gasoline car—they are different systems. However, if you absolutely need a specific program that only exists as a .deb file, you must convert it.