what's an RPM and where does it go

andym · 05-14-2003, 09:08 AM

i need an rpm for something, i have the rpm down loaded, now what do i do with it, where should it go etc? any help would be great (in simple 'big time' newbie terms

thanks

andy

annehoog · 05-14-2003, 09:25 AM

on the command line:
cd to the folder where the rpm is.
type rpm -i filename.rpm (-i for install)

or go gui with e.g. the KDE package manager (search the menu for a package manager)

for more info: type man grub and/or search this forum and google for info on rpm.

Anne

SiriusAB · 05-14-2003, 01:30 PM

To follow up on the topic raised in this thread, I ask a NOOB question to learn something about RPM's:

As I understand it, RPM's constitute a "package"; so a given RPM has a group of files, correct?

Is an RPM programmed such that the files "know" where to go? Will the RPM create new directories as needed; replace older or conflicting files; put the necessary files in the right directories?

In sum, is an RPM "automatic", or does it require manual intervention from the user?

Thanks for any replies.

lokee · 05-14-2003, 01:38 PM

Just to add this:
To install a rpm you need to be logged in as root; the best way is to open a console, and type 'su'...

Another thing, use:
-'rpm -ivh pckg' to installfor the first time,
-and 'rpm -Uvh pckg' to update

RPMs is automatic...

ven0m · 05-14-2003, 01:48 PM

RPM stand for Redhat Package Manager. It's Redhat's default way of installing software.

Quote:

Is an RPM programmed such that the files "know" where to go? Will the RPM create new directories as needed; replace older or conflicting files; put the necessary files in the right directories?

Yes, to install a package use:
rpm -i packagename

To upgrade a package use: (also installs the package if it is not previously installed)
rpm -U packagename

To query if a rpm package is installed use:
rpm -q packagename

To delete a rpm use: (you first need the full name, use query for this)
rpm -e packagename

there the options your most likely to use, read the man pages for the others.
Yes it does put the files in the correct directories.