I am running on Ubuntu 11.10 32 bit, and I am wondering what packages of software I should download; namely, RPM, DEB, or TAR GZ. I have encountered having to choose from this list while trying to download avast! internet security and Adobe Flash Player.
Ubuntu (like Debian, on which Ubuntu is based) uses .deb packages. HOWEVER, I don't recommend downloading packages and installing them outside of the Software Center if you can help it. Ubuntu Linux is different from Windows or Mac in that regard. You can use the Ubuntu Software Center to search for and install packages, or command line tools like apt-cache and apt-get if you're feeling geeky.
For example, to get the Adobe Flash Player, simply install it via the Ubuntu Software Center. You could additionally install Ubuntu Restricted Extras, which will install other common proprietary media formats like MP3 as well.
As for Avast, it doesn't seem to be in the repositories, but perhaps you could find a suitable alternative such as ClamAV. Also, remember Anti-Virus protection isn't generally needed on a Linux system in the same way it is needed on a Windows system. I run Clam on Linux file and email servers simply to keep viruses from getting passed on to Windows machines that may connect.
Hope some of this helps you.
