Alien GUI is a graphical interface that enables users to transform packages using the popular computer program, Alien.
Before using Alien GUI, it is important to note that you must be logged in as root. Additionally, you will need to have Kommander and Alien installed on your system as requirements.
For those unfamiliar with Alien, it is a program that converts between various file formats including rpm, dpkg, stampede slp, and slackware tgz. This makes it possible to use packages from different distributions than the one installed on your system by converting them to your preferred format.
Despite being around for many years, Alien is still considered to be rather experimental software. This means that there are still some bugs and limitations that exist. It is important to note that Alien should not be used to replace important system packages, such as sysvinit or shared libraries.
It is also worth mentioning that packages from different distributions cannot be used interchangeably. For example, packages that are set up differently by Debian and Red Hat cannot be replaced by an Alien version without potentially breaking your system.
If you want to convert packages to or from rpms, you will need the Red Hat Package Manager. For those looking to convert packages into debian packages, you will need the dpkg, dpkg-dev, and debhelper packages. Additionally, gcc and make must be installed.
Overall, if you're looking for a way to convert packages on your system, Alien GUI might be worth considering. However, it is important to keep in mind the limitations and potential risks involved with using Alien.
Version 0.99.1: N/A