I've been trying to install .deb chrome file (google-chrome-stable_current_amd.64.deb). It is saved in my Downloads, so I tried this command

sudo apt-get install ~/Downloads/google-chrome-stable_current_amd.64.deb 

After reading the package list it responds:

E: Unsupported file /home/stockton/Downloads/google-chrome-stable_current_amd.64.deb given on command line

I don't know why it says E: file, I though Linux drives and files are not named after letters like Windows drives, for example 'C:' but idk I can still be wrong. I did have Windows 10 before I booted Ubuntu.

Any help will be great.

9

2 Answers

The conventional way is to install using dpkg. It is a new feature of apt to install from deb files. That's why the correct syntax is not always clear. man apt doesn't tell much either.

So a guaranteed way is to copy the deb file to your Home directory and running

sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

If it is the first time you install Chrome, you will get some error messages regarding missing dependencies. You can fix it by

sudo apt install -f

Instead of copying to Home you can use the path

sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

Update: It looks like the solution is easier. OP made a typo in the command. The file name is wrong amd.64.deb :-)

So it is likely that the initial command with the correct file will work as well.

You normally don't download debs and install them in linux, like you are used to in windows with exe files.

You add a repository (or ppa, where available), update the software list and install the software. This way you also get updates through the added repository.

For Google Chrome, do this:

open a terminal ctrl+alt+t

add the repository key:

wget -q -O - | sudo apt-key add - 

add the chrome repository with this command:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64] stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google.list'

update software list:

sudo apt update

install Google Chrome (stable):

sudo apt install google-chrome-stable

Done.

Pro Tip: Paste to console with ctrl+shift+v

[edit] forgot adding repository key, sorry.[/edit]