Packages
Using packages to install software is great, it greatly simplifies the install process and immensely improves management purposes (uninstall). Sometimes when installing software, it isn't in always in the package format you need for your system. For instance, you're on a Debian based system (.deb packages) and the software you need only provides .rpm packages.
Alien to the Rescue
Didn't think I'd ever say that aliens would come to our rescue...but I digress
Install alien
$ sudo apt-get install alien
Convert your_package_1.0.0.rpm (yes, sudo is required)
$ sudo alien your_package_1.0.0.rpm
You should now have a your_package_1.0.0.deb, install it as normal
$ sudo dpkg -i your_package_1.0.0.deb
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