Fedora 7 newb here :)
 

Hi, i just recently installed linux on my Gateway mx6421 notebook. Ive never used anything but windows, but im a fast learner,so i should be able to get the basics out on this thing. a few things have bugged me abit since i installed F7, my touchpad is EXTREMELY sensitive, which makes browsing a challenge, has anyone had the same problem?

also i downloaded my very first program that i wish to install. VLC media. I downloaded it from afterdawn.com. vlc-0.8.6c.tar.bz2, im unsure what kind of "package" it is, or how to use it. Im used to the usuall .exe, lol, as with most windows users. just need a bit of guidance or a link.

Another thing,do all programs for linux install the same way? thanks!

Most programs for Linux install in a similar fashion.

I have a Gateway laptop that had Fedora 7 on it and I didn't have a problem with my touchpad. I also have a USB mini optical mouse that I used with it, though.

As for the program, you don't have to mess with the .tar.bz2

Open a terminal session and
yum -y install vlc

That should do the trick.

i ran the terminal, but after i did that i got

loading "installonlyn" plugin.
you need to be root to perform this command.

do i need to have it directed somewhere?

You need to be root in order to perform the action.

First Become root:
This will prompt you for the root password (you set that up when you installed)

Second you invoke the yum command:

awesome, worked like a charm, thanks alot!

edit: everything installed just fine but is it supposed to show up on the programs tab, or is it my job to find it?

No problem :)

You can use yum to install just about any program you need with yum (just use the same steps as above just replacing the program name). For example. If you want to install ethereal; you would:

Become Root:
Then install using yum:
Sometimes there are packages that are not available by default. You can install additional "repos" so that you can get a wide variety of "programs" (packages) at your disposal. I use the Livna repo (which is popular among Fedora users). You can install livna by:

Becoming root and running:
The above command is suitable for copying and pasting. Now every time you use yum you will also have access to the livina repo. You can find more information with google's linux search engine: http://www.google.com/linux

Hope this has been a help to you... :)

-custangro