I need some help installing some programs i've downloaded for Linux. I know that i'm a complete moron when it comes to using linux b/c i've only used it for 3 days now, but i'm pretty familiar w\ working in a UNIX environment and i've also done a lot of programming w\ C++ and Java.

My problem is this. I downloaded 2 diff. programs for view mpg's. MPlayer and mtv. MPlayer was a .gz and mtv was a rpm. i don't think i should have any problems w\ the rpm b/c it works pretty much like an exe file correct? but how do i compile and install the files for the MPlayer?

Please forgive my ignorance

You can install the rpm file by using:

rpm -i <rpm-file>

as for MPlayer, is it the .tar.gz source code ?

if so, then you'll first need a compile like gcc,
then extract it with "tar xvzpf <mplayer-file>",
cd to the resulting directory,
type "./configure", "make", "make install" as root, and optionally "make clean"

if that didn't give any errors, you should have MPlayer compiled and installed.

gotcha, and where can i find the application launcher in the GUI once i've done all of those steps in command line? In the same directory?

# Guides to software management
LNAG - How do I install a program I downloaded from the Internet?
Rute Guide's software explanation
You might want to check out CheckInstall to manage source code installations/uninstallation

thanks. I really appreciate the help. I look over these when i get off work.

If it's an rpm for your distro, that is done automatically.

If you install an alien package (built for another distro), things may not work properly.

If installing source code, the INSTALL and README should give you the command you need to run it. You will probably have to manually create a launcher for the program.

how do i manually create a launcher?

i'm an extreme linux newbie, sorry.

I don't know your window manager/desktop environment. Try left, right and middle clicks at various places on the desktop and see what comes up. You should have something about create new launcher somewhere.