I'm EXTREMELY Fedora Core4 illiterate, and I have no idea what's ticking in this computers head. Please, someone help me!
I want to install Yahoo IM for my computer, but every time I go there, it just saves it to disk as an .exe, which, by the way, I don't understand in the first place.
I'd appreciate it if someone would help me!

linux can't use the .exe format that is for windows. depending on which desktop you use Kopete or GAIM.

I use GAIM with my Yahoo instant messenging account. I've never even seen Yahoo's official IM program. I just have had a Yahoo account for ages and put my Yahoo login info into gaim. It just plain worked.

It sounds like you're trying to install the Windows version of Y!Messenger under Linux. You need to get the Unix version, which should install easily.

Note that the Unix version doesn't have all the advanced features of the Windows version.

Alternatively, there are many third-party clients that can access the Yahoo network.

I would use Kopete, its a instant-text messenger with multiple protocols to choose from.
Like Msn, Yahoo etc..

I stopped using Kopete when it started using "KDE Wallet". It took a nice useful program and made it as annoying as using Windows. I shouldn't have to login again just for one stupid little program!

I don't mind it using KDE Wallet. Type it in once, log in, and just go invisible when you're "Offline". Then you only need to reset this maybe once a day. Kopete is a great messenger with support for nearly all features of the official versions of the IMs. My is to try it and see if you like it, if not you can use a linux version of yahoo messenger. I'm not sure how the installer comes with it, but I'm assuming it's as simple as unpackaging it and running a shell script.

I'd rather type it in never, rather than "maybe once a day". GAIM doesn't bug me unless someone's actually messaging me.

Besides, I'm disgusted by the idea that I have to enter a password when I already needed to enter my password to login in the first place. I can understand extra security for changing my password, or gaining root access. But for instant messaging? Please.

Why don't I at least have the OPTION to operate Kopete without typing in an extra password? I really don't care that anyone with physical access to my home computer can use my instant messenger.

Don't use Yahoo's Unix Messenger. I tried it out around a year ago and it did not look like it had been updated in many, many years. Unless something has changed, and it does not look like it since I went to the Unix page the other day, Gaim is much better. You still won't get all the cool new features, but it is way better than Yahoo's Unix version.