How do I install tar.gz files?

General Help
1

I'm a total linux noob but I think I figured out how to install .AppImage programs? But most of the time when I try to install a program, it's in the form of a tar.gz file and whenever I try to install those programs after downloading, all I see is program files that I have no idea what to do with

2

Unzip the file and then read the readme file. Often the developers explain the installation method also on github.

Here is a guide which can help:

https://linuxconfig.org/how-to-install-tar-gz-file-on-linux

If ever possible try to search for a download for a .deb package or appimage instead.

1 Like
3

In addition to @Forpli's instructions, I will add that many applications may have a self installing .deb package. So you do not always need the .tar.gz

If you like, you can list off packages you want to check
Or
in terminal, run apt search followed by the package name to see if it is already included for easy installation int he repository.
For example, for Inkscape:

apt search inkscape

I also utilize pkgs.org for seeking out .deb packages.

4

When it comes to browser installations that download as .tar.gz, extract with Zorin's archive tool in the Downloads folder or you might want to extract in /home, open the extracted folder to see some sub-folders and a lot of files which have cogs as the icons. So for Tor, Zen or any other browser, look for the cog icon to launch. Next open Main Menu to create a new entry under Internet group on menu. Enter the name of the browser in the top field and for the command box, click on the browse tool at the end and navigate to the cog icon with the name of the browser, the same icon that you launched the browser with. Lastly you will need to apply the browsers icon for the menu by clicking on the blank square of the new entry. Navigate to the extracted archive and then enter the folder browser, then chrome, then default and choose 64.png icon. Next, save the entry you have created. You can now add the browser to Dash should you wish, or send to desktop with a right-click on the menu item. Sometimes applications sent to the desktop don't show the correct icon. Simply right-click and choose "allow to run as a program" and once done the correct icon will appear.