How are programs placed in a directory for installation? For example, I wanted to install Java so I could use the jbidwatcher sniper program. Everytime I download the Java program I get the file jre-1_5_0_09-linux-i586-rpm.bin

Does this type of file require bulding? I am just starting to use Linux and I have no idea how to install new programs outside the Xandros Network. I did try to use Xandros Network to install, but it said this was an invalid format and could only use rpm or deb file formats.

download the plain .bin not the rpm .bin.
the instructions to install it are here: http://java.sun.com/javase/6/webnote...elf-extracting
hope it helps.

With most programs you should be able to get away with packages already available to your distro. Although, when compiling from source generally all executable files are put in /bin, libraries in /lib etc by default when the install command is run. You can however set your own directories by adding "--prefix= dir where you want the files." when running the config command, although remeber that if it is in a directory not set in a user's PATH it will not be executable by just typing the programme's name. You can then make links either hard or symbolic to the relative directories. Otherwise use a programme called checkinstall which will automatically create packages that you can manage via you package manager.