How to Install .deb Files on Nokia N900 Using X Terminal

January 28th, 2010 • Mark Guim • Filed Under •

I previously shared an easy guide to install .deb files on the Nokia N900 using Red Pill mode, but that functionality has been removed on the latest firmware updates. Another method to install .deb files requires using X Terminal, but it could be overwhelming at first. I think I understand it better now, so here’s a guide to help you install those files on the Nokia N900, too.

Before you continue, use common sense and only install .deb files from trusted sources! Some developers provide these type of files for users to test their applications. In this guide, coder Chris Burris allowed me to use his upcoming FourSquare app dubbed BarrioSquare as an example. Check out the BarrioSquare group page to join the testing.

The Download

Let me first show you how I downloaded the .deb files. I simply clicked on the download link from a webpage and the browser asked where I want to save it to. I chose the default, which says, Location: Nokia N900.

Nokia N900 Download
Browser asks to download the .deb file

Nokia N900 Barriosquare
Browser asks where to save the file

The Installation

1. First, install rootsh to enable root access.

2. Open X Terminal on the Nokia N900, type sudo gainroot and press enter. This will not work if you skipped the first step.

Nokia N900 Gainroot

3. I find it easier to go into the same folder where the .deb is located. The cd TheNameOfDirectoryHere command changes your location to that directory. Therefore, if you downloaded the file in the default folder, type cd MyDocs

Nokia N900 x Terminal

4. Check if the .deb file is in your current folder by typing ls. This command lists the contents of your current folder. You know you’re in the right folder if you see the .deb file on the list.

Nokia N900 Xterminal

5. Now that we’re in the same folder as the .deb file, we can install it using the command dpkg -i TheNameOfFileHere.deb

Nokia N900 x Term

6. That’s it! That’s how you install .deb files on the Nokia N900. You should also note that some .deb files (like BarrioSquare) will not install without other files preinstalled. These are called dependencies. Read developers’ full instructions to see whether dependencies are needed.

Nokia N900 BarrioSquare 1

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  • jow91
    When you install debian files with xterminal. Do they use root memory or only the 2GB. And does is effect the speed of the device. Thanks!
  • battery died in the middle of installation. how do I uninstal? app is not showing via app manager.
  • I'd also suggest looking at some documentation on APT, which is the tool that sits between dpkg and the Application Manager. There's a useful guide here: http://newbiedoc.sourceforge.net/system/apt-get... - just ignore anything talking about apt-setup, as Application Manager takes care of those steps itself (and you don't want to interfere with it). Section 3 is especially useful because you can search to see if dependencies for packages you install manually happen to be available (Application Manager normally doesn't list everything so as to simplify the experience).
  • Shell Prompt
    Some hints that save typing:

    1. "sudo gainroot" can be shortened to just "root" if package rootsh is installed. The difference is that "root" places you in "/root" instead of "/home/user".

    2. You don't want to be typing long filenames and directory names. It's tedious and you risk mistyping them. Just type the first few characters and press "Tab" under the terminal window.

    An example. "$" and "#" are the shell prompts. Don't type them.

    $ root<Enter>
    # cd /h<Tab>u<Tab>M<Tab><Enter>
    # dp<Tab> -i ba<Tab><Enter>
  • Whoa, thanks for the tip! Tab makes it MUCH faster to type filenames!
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