How To: Install Ubuntu Programs Offline with APTonCD

The Ubuntu experience has improved greatly with version 10.04, providing an easy-to-use interface. Especially when it comes to installing programs. However, it still relies on an online internet connection for installing additional software.

Well, not anymore. You can collect those Debian-based packages, compile, and burn them onto a CD. All you need to do is to install APTonCD.

This saves you time downloading the programs you want and is extremely useful if you don't have an internet connection.

There are two ways to create a pre-compiled .deb package installer using APTonCD:

• Option 1
  Using a computer with Ubuntu 10.04 installed. Use the Ubuntu Software Center (or via Synaptic Package Manager) to install all the applications you want, including APTonCD. Then create a Debian package installer CD or DVD.

• Option 2
  Create a persistent Ubuntu USB flash drive and install all the .deb software, including APTonCD. Use APTonCD to create a Debian package installer CD or DVD.

Creating a CD or DVD Debian Package Installer

Step 1 Find APTonCD

Go to System > Administration > APTonCD.

Step 2 Create ISO

Click Create to make an ISO image.

Step 3 Add Packages

To select your .deb packages, choose Add Packages (it will automatically load packages already on your system).

Or you can select a different folder.

Tips

• Make sure auto-select dependencies is checked.
• Downloaded .deb packages can be found at Computer\File System\var\cache\apt\archives.

Step 4 Start Burning

Select the Burn button.

Step 5 ISO Settings

Select your ISO format (DVD or CD), destination folder, and image file name.

Click Apply.

Step 6 Burn to Disc

After the ISO is created, you can burn it onto a CD or DVD.

Restoring a Program Using the CD or DVD

Step 7 Restore

In APTonCD, choose Restore.

Step 8 Select Disc

Load and select the CD or DVD.

Step 9 Auto-select Dependencies

Make sure to check Auto-select dependencies.

Step 10 Select Programs

Now, select all of the programs you want to install.

Step 11 Restore

Click the Restore button. This will copy and store programs on your APT cache folder.

Step 12

From here it gets a bit tricky; you'll need to use the command line terminal. Type:

cd /var/cache/apt/archives

Press enter. Next, type:

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

Then enter your password. After it finishes installing, close the terminal and browse your installed applications.

Tip

• You can delete downloaded packages after installing by typing sudo apt-get clean on the command line terminal.
• Install one program at a time and make sure auto-dependencies is checked to avoid broken links.
• In my other blog "How to Remaster Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx with Remastersys, " I've posted a customized ubuntu linux distro. It comes with applications already pre-installed and it's free to download.