I am trying to install some software on Linux, and so far it isn't going

File is: xxxx.tar.gz

What I did was: gunzip xxxx.tar.gz ; then tar xxxx.tar.
I did open the files and even created /bin and /lib.
However when I try to do ./configure it tells me unknown command - and wouldn't budge. I didn't even come to make & make install.....

Am I doing something wrong? I did this commands in root so I don't get it.

Where do you usually install the software - which / , should it all be under root or can I do it in /home/xxuser?

Thanx for your patience.

it usually depends on the software.. what is the software ?? that could help us help you..
in most cases, most software is installed in the /usr or /usr/local directories.
also, you shouldn't have to gunzip then tar the file with a xxx.tar.gz.. you should be able to just issue this command:

tar -xvzf xxxxx.tar.gz

then read either the README or INSTALL files in the direcotry it extracts the tar.gz file into...

The software is Jext-3.0.2.tar.gz.

So If I understood correctly I don't even have to use ./configure; make;install???

But in any case, what is the procedure to install "outside" software into Linux?

Thanx a lot for your help.

what on earth is "outside" software?

you need

tar -zxvf jext-is-a-really-annoying-editor-use-nedit-or-glimmer-instead.tar.gz
cd Jext-3.0.2
./configure
make
make install

you missed a make out. install is only a parameter for make, not a command

Mr Naked-and-Famous meant that when the osftware is instaleld that is where it will end up, you can't just put it there. you are aware of rpm's i hope. much easier than tar.gz installs

best thing to do is learn some basic vi commands.