Convert between RPM, Deb and tgz package formats

If you are using a debian (based) linux distribution like Ubuntu, then you will not be able to use the rpm command to install software in RPM format because Debian uses its own package management called dpkg. But there is an experimental software called Alien, that converts between the rpm, Debian deb,stampede slp, and slackware tgz file formats.

For example, if I want to install Inkscape which is in a binary RPM format in Ubuntu (or any debian distro), I use the following command:

# alien -i inkscape-2.1.3.rpm

The above command will unpack the rpm package into a directory, create a deb package and then install it on your system. Ofcourse, you can uninstall the package at a later date by using the relevent dpkg command.