I'm Having a Hard time with TAR and RPM files!
 

Hey you guys.. I'm new , If nobody here never used a microsoft software just try to follow , In Any windows version it's easy to configure files and setup an install for them . So When I decided (umm. about one month ago) I wanted to have more FUN and be Smart about computers , I wanted to try any Linux version (Distro), So here I am ! I know the basics . the linux User's shell is where all these commands go right ? , I Dont mind all the typing just Confused about what to do when a Command for a extension Tar or RPM file encounters an error messages.. its exciting installing these suckers from scratch , just Wish I could KNOW the problem if I have one ... So I won't know how to explain this jargon to an expert ... Please someone help me practice. like riding a big bike without training wheels ... Thanks !

E-mail ----> thx!

Hi -

For whatever it's worth, you don't even have to type, if you don't want to. Most Linux distros come built-in with excellent GUI's ("Gnome" and "KDE" are two popular Linux desktop GUIs).

Most are also available in "Live CD" format - so that you can boot to the distro, play with it ... all without necessarily having to install anything on your hard drive UNLESS and UNTIL *you* want to!

Whatever you do - please be sure to Have Fun!

Based on your description, it sounds like you want a distro which allows you to learn a lot, and you're not afraid to work at the command line, as such, I would suggest starting with Slackware... you'll learn a tremendous amount just installing the operating system.

The linux command line is known as a 'shell' because it provides a notional layer which surrounds the core operating system. There are a number of different shells available. When a user account is created, a shell is assigned to the user. The default user account shell is known as 'bash'. Take a look at Bash Guide for Beginners.

The best way to learn is to plunge in, get stuck, read man pages, google for answers, figure out what you can, then, if you remain stuck, ask specific questions online... I definitely know the feeling of just wanting to know your problem while installing software, unfortunately it doesn't quite work like that. There are often several levels of knowledge involved -- on one level, the step by step installation instructions contained in the README or HOWTO documents, on another level there's learning and using the program, there's knowing the standards that the program adheres to, and on yet another level, there's knowing the Unix philosophy and how your program works in the shell environment. This takes time, patience and a certain amount of perseverance.

If you haven't already read it, check out How To Ask Questions The Smart Way (I'm not suggesting anything by the title, but the advice is very useful).

Also, check out The Art of Unix Programming, and In the Beginning Was the Command Line, two of the better essays on the Unix philosophy (the second of these is slightly dated, but worth reading, just for the part about the Hole Hawg).

I'll echo what paulsm4 said as well... have fun. Just don't forget there's more fun on the other side of a certain amount of frustration, and don't underestimate the value and pleasure of solving problems on your own.

Last, but not least, the best advice that my father ever gave me: Asking good questions is the best way to demonstrate your intelligence.

p.s. I realize after the fact that most of my links are to Eric Raymond's writings... this isn't entirely coincidence, he knows the headspace of the computer geek (aka hacker, in the original sense of the word).

http://rute.2038bug.com/rute.html.gz
www.polishlinux.org
http://www.linux.org/lessons/

Wow !
 

Thanks a lot !

I would also recommend you to get some CBT's to watch..
those are very helpful. and don't give up.. stay with linux. (i'm newbie myself, just jumped to the deep water and installed Fedora on my laptop. I love it)