This little tip is something that is pretty useful to all linux users(ubuntu/debian), to make package installation that much easier.  Below is just a little help on what a .deb file is, what they do, and how you can make your own from install scripts you may get from other projects.

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Wikipedia.org: deb (file format)

deb is the extension of the Debian software package format and the most often used name for such binary packages. Like the “Deb” part of the term Debian, it originates from the name of Debra, then girlfriend and now ex-wife of Debian’s founder Ian Murdock.

Debian packages are also used in distributions based on Debian, such as Ubuntu and others.

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Here is a little guide on making your own deb files to make life a bit more managable on Debian-based computer desktops…

1. Here are some packages you will need to install first:
   • # sudo apt-get install dpkg-dev debhelper libstc++5 dkms build-essential cdbs fakeroot
2. After you have installed those packages and everything is complied correctly, you will be able to use the program to turn those in to deb files.
   • # ./filename*.run –buildpkg Ubuntu/(insert version here)
3. Run/Distribute the new deb file.