I've been using Linux Mint for a few months and have mostly installed software through the Software Manager or the apt command. Some applications, such as the Minecraft Launcher, only provided a .deb package. I eventually managed to install it, but only after searching through several guides and finding commands I didn't fully understand. Other .deb applications have been even more difficult. Is there a simpler, beginner-friendly way to install software that isn't included in Mint's repositories? Would Flatpak, Snap, AppImage, or another Linux distribution make this easier?
4 Answers
For Minecraft specifically, Prism Launcher is worth considering instead of the official launcher. It’s available as a Flatpak and provides an easier way to manage different Minecraft instances, versions, and mod configurations.
There are other formats that can be simpler. Flatpak applications are available through Mint’s graphical software manager and are often a good choice for desktop apps. AppImages can usually be downloaded and run directly, although you may need to make the file executable first. Snap is another option, but it’s not always enabled by default in Mint.
If you prefer using the terminal, apt can install a local .deb while also handling its dependencies. From the folder containing the file, use `sudo apt install ./filename.deb`. Replace `filename.deb` with the actual package name. The `./` tells apt that the package is a local file rather than something to search for in the repositories.
For most .deb files, you don’t need to use the terminal at all. Double-click the file and Linux Mint should open it with the package installer. You can also right-click it and choose the package installer if that option isn’t selected automatically.
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