I have just started using a Linux distro called SwiftLinux and as Firefox-4 wasn't in the repository i downloaded it from the Internet as firefox-4.0.1.tar.bz2 so i extracted it to my Downloads folder and then in a terminal i typed:

cd Downloads
tar xjf firefox-4.0.1.tar.bz2

All went well except now when i want to use Firefox i have to go to the Downloads folder to start it up. How do i get Firefox on my Desktop anyone please.

if you have a gui installed why not just double click on the tarbal ( just like you would on MS windows)
let see this is not XP
do not install things to the Desktop
a launcher or link is normal

also that tarbal from FF is a "special case" one there is NO compiling of the source code
did you read the README and INSTALL file ?

copy the ff4 folder to /usr/lib
make a link to the "firefox"
or a desktop launcher

and READ your distro's documentation
YOU need to do some studying and learning ( just like in school)
-- first time i heard of this one ???---
http://www.swiftlinux.org/
not much here
http://swiftlinux.org/discuss

looks like it might be loosely based on Mint Linux ?
start here on
http://www.linux.ie/newusers/beginners-linux-guide/
http://www.howtoforge.com
http://www.yolinux.com/