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Debian package files typically have the extension '.deb', and usually exist in <emphasis role="italics">repositories</emphasis> which are collections of packages found on various media, such as CD-ROM discs, or online. Packages are normally in a pre-compiled binary format; thus installation is quick, and requires no compiling of software.
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Many complex packages use the concept of <emphasis role="italics">dependencies</emphasis>. Dependencies are additional packages required by the principal package in order to function properly. For example, the speech synthesis package <application>festival</application> depends upon the package <application>libasound2</application>, which is a package supplying the <application>ALSA</application> sound library needed for audio playback. In order for <application>festival</application> to function, it and all of its dependencies must be installed. The software management tools in Ubuntu will do this automatically.
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Many complex packages use <emphasis role="italics">dependencies</emphasis>. Dependencies are additional packages required by the principal package in order to function properly. For example, the speech synthesis package <application>festival</application> depends upon the package <application>libasound2</application>, which is a package supplying the <application>ALSA</application> sound library needed for audio playback. In order for <application>festival</application> to function, it and all of its dependencies must be installed. The software management tools in Ubuntu will do this automatically.
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<sect1 id="dpkg" status="review">