Can someone please explain to this complete and utter idiot how on earth to install software on to mandriva linux. Can you please give extremely simple answers with examples. Please I have tried the help and manuals, but I cannot understand them.

I want to install the linux version of realplayer. I am a complete and utter

Thanks for any help you can give.

If you are really a complete and utter idiot, then I doubt if we can help you....

First, what package system does Mandriva use? eg RPM, APT

In general, there are several ways of installing Linux SW:

1. The package manager that comes with the distro. Most simply, you'll find something in the menus with a name like "install software". You can also use your package manager from the command line. (Examples of this once we know what your system uses)
You package manager will either fetch SW from a repository or operate on files that you download

2. Download a file (uncompress as required) and run an install script.

3. Download a file and compile on your machine (not as hard as it sounds)

To use your Realplayer example, what is the format of the file that you downloaded? If it has suffixes like .tar .gz .tgz, etc. have you uncompressed the file? What do you have after uncompressing?

You will not find flashplayer and realplayer on any of your urpmi sources. This software has special licensing which includes some restrictions in regard to redistribution of their softwares.

The flashplugin can be downloaded at
http://macromedia.mplug.org/

The RealPlayer can be downloaded at
https://player.helixcommunity.org/2005/downloads/

Just download the rpms and double-click on them to install. The flashplugin will install to your mozilla plugin directory, which will be used by firefox automatically. The RealPlayer can be launched by running "realplay" command, you can add it to the menu by using menudrake.

I think it is RPM?

I'm using Mandriva 2005 LE

I tried doing as suggested but the furthest I got was a Starting Installing Software box which closed without success.

Tried it again. Failed

Tried what? Realplayer?
What file are you starting with?
What procedure did you follow?
Error messages?

I tried what farslayer suggested. Double click on realplayer after downloading the rpm file.

A box opens on the toolbar "Starting Software Installation" That disappears without any result.

Right, I would be grateful if someone could give me an example of what an install script is. E.G. command line name "file name"

Should this be in a command box or a terminal?

Or maybe I should go back to windows. I know I must be driving you poor buggers to but I really do appreciate the help.

linux takes a little while to get used to- so don't give up.
not sure if this will work on your os but try:
$apt-get install some_package
or you can try reading the real player instructions - it should have them(you do have the linux version right?)

Crickey.

I have this version RealPlayer10GOLD.bin.

With Software Install, nothing happens.

With a command console I get this

/bin/sh: -g: invalid option
Usage: /bin/sh [GNU long option] [option] ...
/bin/sh [GNU long option] [option] script-file ...
GNU long options:
--debug
--debugger
--dump-po-strings
--dump-strings
--help
--init-file
--login
--noediting
--noprofile
--norc
--posix
--protected
--rcfile
--restricted
--verbose
--version
--wordexp
Shell options:
-irsD or -c command or -O shopt_option (invocation only)
-abefhkmnptuvxBCHP or -o option