How to use Debian iso for repository

A neat (old) trick I learn while trying to make wifi work on Axioo Pico running a fresh install Debian Squeeze.

Few days ago, I was trying to install Debian Squeeze to my netbook. Since the netbook didn’t have CD drive, I use Unetbootin to create Debian installer from 1st Debian CD iso. To cut long story short, the installation went succesful, I got GNOME running, yadda yadda yadda. The only problem left is how I add more applications.

At that time, I didn’t have wired Internet connection. There’s a Huawei USB modem, but my Debian installation is yet to have wvdial. But I do have 2nd & 3rd CD ISO. I could use it for local repository, but again, since my netbook didn’t have CD drive, I need to do some improvisations.

1. make some temporary folder
   # mkdir /tmp/mount1
# mkdir /tmp/mount2
2. mount the iso files
   # mount -o loop /path/to/iso/debian-6.0.0-i386-CD-1.iso /tmp/mount1/
# mount -o loop /path/to/iso/debian-6.0.0-i386-CD-2.iso /tmp/mount2
3. edit the /etc/apt/sources.list file and add this line
   deb file:/tmp/mount1/ squeeze main contrib
deb file:/tmp/mount2/ squeeze main contrib
4. update the repository
   # apt-get update

All done. Now I can install applications from local repository. And the first application I installed? Synaptic, of course