Installing software on Suse Linux
 

I'm a very raw newbie to Linux. I understand the basic of the OS but I'm having trouble installing new software. I'm testing out the Novell SLED 10 and need to know how do you install the Consoleone software. Also I'm trying to install a 5250 terminal emulator for Linux. I'm using YaST->Add-on Product. Is this correct or do I simply double-click on the install script? Nevertheless When using the Add-on option I get an error stating "Unable to create catalog" and when I double-click on the install script nothing happens. When I do a search for help on this topic mostly it's command line driven. I'm not familar with any of the command line commands so if I have to install from the command line then this product will not be feasible for any of my users at my job. Please tell me that there is an easier way to install programs on Linux.

The easiest way to install Linux SW is with the package manager--it is accessible from your GUI menus. The package manager goes to a repository on the web--or perhaps also to your installation CD or DVD.

The process with a package manager is typically seamless---ie you select the SW, click "install" (or something like that) and you're done.

If you want something that is not in the repositories for your distribution, then you have to work just slightly harder. The first thing to do is try to find an "rpm" package. (I hope I am remembering correctly that SUSE uses .rpm)

Assuming that you do not have dependency issues, then installing an rpm package is easy. Using the terminal:
Unzip and unpack: Packages will come in two common forms: .tar.gz and .tar.bz2 The corresponding commands are:
tar -zxvf <filename>
tar -jxvf <filename>

Now you will have a folder with at least one file ending in .rpm. In this folder, type:
rpm -i <filename>

Done!!

If--after trying it a few times to build confidence--you find this too hard for your target users, then you will have to stick with package managers. With some distros I have tried, there is almost nothing that is not available. In many cases, you can find the repository index at the web site for the distro.

So I take it that there isn't a executable file that you can double-click on and the software will take off and start installing. What can I do if the software that I unpack doesn't have a rpm? There is two files with an extention of .xpm and a few script files, but when I double click any of them nothing happens. Does each application have their own repository? I know these questions may sound petty to the pros but like I said I'm such a newbie to Linux I still have the nipple in my mouth.

It depends on what exactly you are installing. Does it come with a "readme" file---or other instructions?

People generally run install scripts from the terminal......Suppose you unpack an application called "fred"---you might get a folder with--among other things--an executable script named (you guessed it) "fred".
type ./fred and off it goes.

For the specific SW you are installing, go to the directory and type "ls" and post the output. That will help us steer you.

PS: The package manager is the equivalent of the Windows installer--only better.