Local Repository for Ubuntu

I was frustrated trying to install programs in Ubuntu. I do not want to download the same thing over and over again every time I want to install something and need to save bandwidth. Upon finding the formula to sucess I started the compilation of this guide.

Starting

You need to download the packages on an Ubuntu machine with internet access. Once you have done so you may put them on a USB Device, CD/DVD, etc. You may find some packages below in the "Packages Download" section. Follow these directions to get your own:

  • First goto /var/cache/apt/archives
  • Clean it out: Delete/move all files EXCEPT the "partial" folder and the file named "lock" This will ensure later on we get only the packages needed. You will need to do this as root since /var/cache/apt/archives is locked. Use the command "gksudo nautilus" or "gksudo konqueror" for Kubuntu/KDE.
  • Now install them as normal using a package manager or the apt-get command. I prefer using terminal commands, since you can simply type in the name of the package(s) instead of trying to find them in a list.
  • Make a folder in your home folder called "debs"
  • Take all the files EXCEPT the "partial" folder and the file named "lock" from /var/cache/apt/archives and move them into the newly created folder.
  • In your home folder make a folder called dists. In dists make a folder with a name like "hardy" and in that folder one like "debs_for_hardy" and finally in that one make a folder called "binary-i386" (not sure about 64bit packages)
  • With the debs in /home/mpg/debs and the dists folder and it's subfolders, type in "dpkg-scanpackages debs /dev/null | gzip > /home/mpg/dists/hardy/debs_for_hardy/binary-i386/Packages.gz" at a terminal. I have used my username, mpg, but replace mine with yours. To use the commane "dpkg-scanpackages debs /dev/null | gzip > /home/mpg/dists/hardy/debs_for_hardy/binary-i386/Packages.gz" you will need the dpkg-dev package installed, to install it goto the "Packages Download" section, download the package and follow the directions on the bottom, then follow the directions in the "Installing the Packages" section.
  • Now take the "debs" and "dists" folder and transfer them to the computer you wish to install them on.

Packages Download

8.04

dpkg-dev
Build Essential
kubuntu-desktop (KDE addon for Ubuntu 8.04/Hardy)

Extract the tar.gz files to a device and transfer them to the computer you wish to use them on.

Single DEBs

These downloads are for packages with no dependencies (only one DEB file is needed). In the case of these files, just double click the DEB, no need to add it to /home/x/debs and have the /home/x/dists/…/packages.gz file.

GpartEd (Gnome Partition Editor)
Kompozer Website Editor for Windows and Linux In this ZIP file there is the Debian (Ubuntu) version and two Windows Versions (AN installer and a ZIP file for those who want to install manually), see the readme for info.

8.10

Build Essential
Note that most of the DEBs from 8.04 should work (and vice versa?), for example, Kompozser and possibly Gparted. Wine can also be interchanged. Packages like kubuntu-desktop probably should be kept to the version they are made for

Installing The Packages

  • Take the "debs" and "dists" folder and put them into the home folder on the machine you wish to install the programs on.
  • Now open "Software Sources" (System —> Administration —> Software Sources/"gksu —desktop /usr/share/applications/software-properties.desktop /usr/bin/software-properties-gtk)"
  • Untick the sources on the "Ubuntu Sofware" tab (main, universe, restricted, multiverse) to avoid conflict. Recheck them later if you want to use Ubuntu's online repository again.
  • Goto the "third party software" tab and uncheck the partner sources if they are checked.
  • Now click "add" and type in "deb file:///home/mpg/ hardy debs_for_hardy" as the APT line, replacing my username with yours
  • Click the "Close" button and click reload on the next dialgue
  • Install the software as usual. Example "sudo apt-get install package-name"

Guide Based on: http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/index.php?topic=3087550.0

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