Make your own packages for Debian-based systems (Linux.com)
Joe 'Zonker' Brockmeier
details
the process of making Debian packages in a Linux.com article.
"
For the uninitiated, creating Debian packages is a mysterious process that looks much harder than it really is. To make it a little less mysterious, let's take a look at two methods of building Debian packages: using standard Debian packaging tools and the CheckInstall utility. I've used the tools described in this article to create packages on Debian and Ubuntu systems, but they should be suitable for other Debian-derived distros, such as MEPIS, Xandros, Linspire, and Freespire."