How to Install UNRAR on Debian 12/11/10

Unrar is an indispensable tool for managing RAR archive files. Derived from the term RAR, which stands for Roshal ARchive, a proprietary archive file format invented by Eugene Roshal, unrar is essentially a freeware utility for extracting, viewing, and testing the contents of RAR archive files.

There are primarily two prominent versions of unrar that are widely used today: the open-source Unrar and the free version from RARLAB. While they fundamentally perform the same function, there are certain unique aspects that differentiate them.

Open Source Unrar (default on Debian)

The open-source Unrar is a free software developed under a license that permits users to study, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. Key attributes of open-source Unrar include:

• Transparency: The source code is freely available for inspection. This gives users the flexibility to modify the code and adapt it to their needs.
• Community Support: As with most open-source projects, this version of Unrar thrives on a vibrant community that actively contributes to its development and provides peer support.
• Compatibility: Open-source Unrar supports various operating systems, including most UNIX-based systems, macOS, and Windows via Cygwin or WSL.

RARLAB’s Free Unrar

On the other hand, the free version of Unrar provided by RARLAB, the original developer of the RAR file format, comes with its own set of distinctive features:

• Ease of Use: RARLAB’s version often provides a more user-friendly experience. It comes with GUI support on Windows, simplifying archive management for users not comfortable with command-line interfaces.
• Support and Updates: Being directly managed by RARLAB, it gets timely updates and bug fixes. The version from RARLAB also comes with technical support, unlike its open-source counterpart.
• Limited Availability: RARLAB’s free version of Unrar is primarily available for Windows users, with limited availability for other operating systems.

Choosing the Right Unrar for You

Choosing between open-source Unrar and RARLAB’s free version ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. If transparency, control, and broad compatibility are your priorities, the open-source version might be your best bet. However, if ease of use and direct support are of higher importance, you may want to opt for the RARLAB’s free version.

Regardless of the choice you make, this guide will demonstrate how to install Unrar on Debian 12 Bookworm, Debian 11 Bullseye, or Debian 10 Buster using Debian’s repository.

Section 1: Installing Unrar on Debian

In this part of our guide, we’ll be outlining the procedures to install Unrar on Debian. By adhering to these instructions, you will be capable of extracting and administering RAR archives on your Debian system.

Step 1: Update the Debian System

Prior to initiating the Unrar installation, it’s crucial to refresh your Debian operating system to guarantee all pre-existing packages are current. In order to execute this update, launch a terminal window and input the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

By running this command, you are essentially directing your Debian system to fetch the latest updates for all installed packages. The sudo apt upgrade command follows through by implementing these updates, ensuring your system is well-equipped with the latest software versions.

Step 2: Installing Unrar (Free RARLab Version)

The upcoming method will authorize the contrib and non-free repositories, enabling the installation of RARLab’s Unrar version. This version is frequently recommended due to its compatibility with the latest RAR archive extracting formats.

Before proceeding, confirm the presence of the software-properties-common package by executing:

sudo apt install software-properties-common -y

The software-properties-common package facilitates the management of software repositories from the command line.

Subsequently, empower Debian’s contrib and non-free repositories with the command:

sudo apt-add-repository contrib non-free

Following the successful authorization of the repositories, initiate a quick update using:

sudo apt update

Upon completion of the system update, you are now set to install the RARLab’s Unrar version using the command:

sudo apt install unrar

The command above installs the RARLab’s version of Unrar, which is the main subject of this article.

Step 3: Installing Unrar (Open Source Version)

Alternatively, if your preference leans towards open-source, non-proprietary software, you can opt to install the unrar-free package. This can be achieved using the following command:

sudo apt install unrar-free

However, it is essential to note that unrar-free does not support RAR 4 or 5, rendering the Unrar package potentially a more suitable choice. Additionally, bear in mind that the commands for unrar-free might deviate from the standard Unrar command examples shared in this guide.

Conclusion on Installing UNRAR on Debian Linux

In this guide, we navigated the process of installing Unrar on a Debian system, a critical utility for managing RAR archives. We highlighted both the RARLab’s free version and the open-source alternative, illuminating their distinct attributes and potential advantages depending on your specific needs. Ensuring your Debian system is up-to-date prior to the installation was emphasized as an integral preparatory step. Ultimately, the choice between the two versions of Unrar will depend on your preferences, whether that be for a more user-friendly interface, support for certain RAR formats, or dedication to open-source principles.

Additional Resources and Links

For further reading and more in-depth understanding, you may consider the following official sources and documentation:

• RARLab’s Official Website: This is the official website for RARLab, the original developer of the RAR file format and the free version of Unrar. It offers valuable resources, such as user manuals and FAQs.
• Debian’s Official Documentation: Debian’s official documentation provides extensive information on package management and other system administration tasks. A great starting point for those seeking a deeper understanding of Debian operations.