Download and install KanQual on Linux

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KanQual provides x64 / AMD64 Linux packages: a DEB for compatible Debian-based systems and an AppImage for other compatible distributions. There is no RPM or Linux ARM package in release v0.9.9.

These instructions use filenames from release v0.9.9, checked on October 15, 2026. When installing a newer release, substitute its version number and read its release notes.

1. Choose a package #

Download from the official github.com/KanQual/kanqual repository. These builds are unsigned, so your operating system may ask you to approve the app. Approve only the KanQual file you intentionally downloaded; an unknown-publisher notice is different from a malware detection.

From KanQual’s latest GitHub release, download KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.deb for Ubuntu, Debian, or a compatible derivative, or KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage for an AppImage-compatible distribution such as Fedora, openSUSE, or Arch. AppImage availability does not guarantee compatibility with every distribution or older system library.

2A. Ubuntu, Debian, and compatible derivatives: install the DEB #

Open a terminal in the folder containing the downloaded file. For an English-language Downloads folder:

cd ~/Downloads
sudo apt install ./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.deb

Keep the ./ prefix so APT installs the local file. Review the proposed changes and confirm installation; APT can fetch dependencies from your configured repositories. If it reports unavailable dependencies, do not force the installation—use a compatible distribution/version or try the AppImage.

2B. Fedora, openSUSE, Arch, and other compatible distros: run the AppImage #

Save the AppImage in a permanent folder you own. Give this file permission to execute, then launch it as your normal user:

cd ~/Downloads
chmod u+x ./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage
./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage

Alternatively, use your file manager’s Properties → Permissions option to allow this file to run as a program, if available. An AppImage runs without a system-wide installation and may not create an application-menu shortcut.

3. If the AppImage reports a FUSE error #

FUSE errors concern the AppImage runtime, not code signing. A FUSE 2 compatibility library may be needed; the package name varies by distribution. For example, Ubuntu 24.04 uses libfuse2t64, while older Ubuntu releases commonly use libfuse2. Follow the AppImage distribution-specific FUSE instructions rather than removing FUSE 3.

If FUSE is unavailable, try the runtime’s extraction mode as your normal user. It uses temporary disk space and can be slower:

APPIMAGE_EXTRACT_AND_RUN=1 ./KanQual_0.9.9_amd64.AppImage

4. First launch #

For a DEB installation, open KanQual from your application menu. For AppImage, run the file as above. Allow database initialization to finish and follow the setup prompts. If a library or graphics error occurs, keep the terminal output and include your distribution and version when asking for help.

Get help #

If you get stuck, email mcansoy@fairfield.edu with your operating system, KanQual version, filename, and exact error message. Remove research data and personal information from any screenshots.