how to install RPMs + requirements
 

I've just installed SuSE 9.0 on a dual Win98 system and so far so good.
However I only have the first CD and I would like to learn how to install additional programs without an internet connection (I havent's managed to get my linmodem working yet)

RPMs appear to be the easiest option, but I read somewhere you need gcc for that (anything else?) which I can't find on my SuSE CD.

What other methods of installation are there, and if you'd be so kind, could you point me to tutorial/HOWTO to get the basics? (Can't seem to find any)

Thanx

Welcome to LQ.

Some rpms will have other prerequisite rpms however it is unlike that tha gcc will be one of them (gcc is the GNU compiler).

If you want to compile programs from source then take a look at this general guide:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ticle&artid=15

Thanx a lot! I had to read it a couple of times before I understood about uninstalling, but I'm dying to give it a try. Only need to find some more things to install now :-)
I've also found out that under KDE my Konquerer tells me what's in my RPM and offers to start YAST to install it.

The reason I asked about gcc is because I was reading this: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hreadid=111893 to try and figure out if I can get my HCF modem to work. It appears I have neither gcc (unless libgcc is similar) nor the sourcecode (whih must be on a different CD)

Another related question: RPM installs to the different preset directories, but with MAKE INSTALL etc it looks like the installation files stay in my /home/<username> directory. What should be a good way to organise these installations; in what directory should I put them to make them available to any user on this box?

If you don't have gcc installed then you'll need to grab an rpm for your system.

When you are compiling programs from source you can usually add "--prefix=/path/to/install/dir" to yoru configure command to change the destination.

Sorry to repeat myself, but let me make the question a little more general: where do you install your new apps? What is your favourite directory? Is there a 'correct' directory, or 'logical location'?

I think the above is a real interesting question, because i installed staroffice (as root) in /usr/bin/ and it won't run. It's obvious that it won't but i don't want it installed in my home directory.
So to me it's also a question where one should install the programs. Most programs go automaticaly to /usr/bin (and you'll never find them back), but others go to your home directory to mess that one up.
How are people organising there programs??