From Wsms

dpkg

common usage

Install a package

root@harrison:~/downloads/nx# dpkg --install nxclient_3.1.0-6_i386.deb 
...

List the files installed with a package:

root@eola:~# dpkg -L ess
...

Remove a package

root@eola:~# dpkg --purge ess
...

Get the status of a package:

ggeller@roosevelt:/etc/init.d$ dpkg -s virtualbox-ose
Package: virtualbox-ose
Status: purge ok not-installed
Priority: optional
Section: misc

see also

man dpkg

dpkg-reconfigure

apt-get

rpm