What does 'compile' mean?
 

I installed SUSE Personal 9.1 last week and find it a breath of fresh air after Windows.

Although I have a few questions this is the most important one so far......what does 'compile' mean?

I'll explain. After downloading a program for Windows all one needs to do is double click the *.exe icon and it'll install and run itself. With Linux I gather I need to 'compile' the program first but I'm unsure of how to do this (or what I use to do it).

I've had a few problems with heat in the past so I like to keep an eye on my CPU and System temps. I found a little app called 'asmon' which should do that for me.

So, can anyone please help me out with a step by step guide of what I do with the folder I downloaded?

Thankyou.

<What does 'compile' mean?>

com·pile ( P ) Pronunciation Key (km-pl)
tr.v. com·piled, com·pil·ing, com·piles
To gather into a single book.
To put together or compose from materials gathered from several sources: compile an encyclopedia.
Computer Science. To translate (a program) into machine language.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compile

basically speaking, compiling is the process of converting a single text file (called source code) into an object file. The object file is then linked into an executable (.exe in Windows, for example). To convert (compile) the source code into the machine language/executable, it's necessary to have a compiler (gcc, borland, VCC are example of compilers).

Usually, the process of linking the object file into an executable is automatic in newer compilers, unless you tell otherwise.

Since Linux is an OpenSource OS, unlike windows, it's just natural that the programs on the net be distributed in Source Code form, allowing advanced users to compile and make any modifications you like yourself...

However, there're many already-compiled packages for Linux: .rpm(Redhat/Mandy/SusE), .deb(Debian), .tgz(Slackware) are examples of pre-made packages.

Although a package made for slackware won't run under say, SuSE, there're scripts/tools that can convert one package into another, as Alien or rpm2tgz.

For more info about installing programs in Linux, take a look into this thread:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...threadid=45094

Good luck!

Basically, computer code is written using some form of "high level" language where the programmer types in commands using "human" words such as get, put, create etc. The computer doesn't understand this so you need to compile it into 1s and 0s (binary) the computer will understand.

The compiler used depends on the language used to create the program.

You might find this useful...........
 

sar·casm Audio pronunciation of "sarcasm" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (särkzm)
n.

1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
3. The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1.
4. The lowest form of wit.

I think you will find this rather interesting
 

newbie- someone who doesnt know that much.

(thats you;))

I think he is. ;)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The informal term newbie (n00b or noob in leetspeak is not the same) means a newcomer to a particular corner of cyberspace, such as a game, newsgroup, or the World Wide Web itself or to an operating system. It can be both a disparaging and friendly term; always referring to a neophyte. The word itself is likely a corruption of new boy, the equivalent figure in real life—usually observed as a new arrival in a school and who is, therefore, vulnerable to bullying of various kinds.

>>read more

rubbernecker- one who sticks his head in another persons buisness.


(thats you aznluvsmc ;))

Please folks, don't let it get personal... let's all move along ;)

Over the hills and far away? nahh too expensive

lol :). It's actually a song from my favorite band: Nightwish ;)

sorry 'bout that

wait are we still cool?

me? I'm always cool mate, always cool :). The only thing that can drive me mad is Half-Life/Valve and SCO :)