Beginner's installation problem in linux

[chrisnd]

Hi, I am in the process of moving my life from Windows 7 to Ubuntu 20.10
A significant part of this is having to find new programs in linux to replace those I previously used.
Sometimes, as here, there is a program which potentially works in both - which is good :-)

However, even after downloading and installing java, I downloaded the .jar file for linux - and now I'm stuck because Ubuntu doesn't like it, blocks it and refuses to open it.
Ubuntu wants me to only download things from the Ubuntu software site which it has vetted.
RouteConverter is not there.
I see I can change the file attributes - but I am reluctant to do this without some sort of reassurance that all is safe.
I feel I also need to ask why I should need to do this?

TIA, Chris

[nordlicht]

I feel I also need to ask why I should need to do this?

Hi Chris,

to run RouteConverter you have to make the jar file executable.

I'm not quite sure, but AFAIK Ubuntu 20 comes with OpenJRE11, there should be no need to install an extra Java runtime environment.

[chrisnd]

I feel I also need to ask why I should need to do this?

Hi Chris,

to run RouteConverter you have to make the jar file executable.

I'm not quite sure, but AFAIK Ubuntu 20 comes with OpenJRE11, there should be no need to install an extra Java runtime environment.

Thanks, Yes, I've changed the rights and the program runs ok. :-)
Still concerned why isn't this do-able in Ubuntu software downloader?
But hey ho, it works :-))
Cheers, Chris

[routeconverter]

Still concerned why isn't this do-able in Ubuntu software downloader?

Hi Chris,

what do you mean with that? Is there a special mechanism in Ubuntu to distribute software?

[chrisnd]

Still concerned why isn't this do-able in Ubuntu software downloader?

Hi Chris,

what do you mean with that? Is there a special mechanism in Ubuntu to distribute software?

Yes indeed.  Ubuntu currently installs with something called 'Ubuntu Software' - which is basically analogous to 'Google Play' on Android phones etc.
If you try and install anything that isn't recognised as an 'approved'* app then all sorts of dire warnings are given - hence my question, and comments, here.
HTH
C

*for want of a better word

[routeconverter]

Yes indeed.  Ubuntu currently installs with something called 'Ubuntu Software' - which is basically analogous to 'Google Play' on Android phones etc.
If you try and install anything that isn't recognised as an 'approved'* app then all sorts of dire warnings are given - hence my question, and comments, here.

I've googled for about 10 minutes and still don't have a clue how to package RouteConverter for the Ubuntu Software Center (I guess that's what you're using?)

Frankly, that's annoying and for some 20 or 30 users that use it, definitely the worst Dev-experience you can produce as a software vendor.

[nordlicht]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Software_Center

Discontinued. That says it all.

[routeconverter]

Is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME_Software the successor?

[nordlicht]

Is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME_Software the successor?

The Wikipedia article is suggesting that. I don't use Ubuntu because they discontinued their 32 bit version as of 18.04, instead I am running MX Linux on two older laptops, MX uses Synaptic as a packet management software.

If you are considering another dedicated version of RC for Linux maybe flatpak or appimage could be a way to go. Personally, I'm fine with the JAR file.