Where do I install my downloaded programs?

Envision5000 · 03-25-2006, 12:01 AM

When I download programs where do I install them.

Which folder do they go into?

linux:/ # ls
. .. bin boot dev etc home lib lib64 media mnt opt proc root sbin srv subdomain sys tmp usr var windows

pixellany · 03-25-2006, 12:06 AM

There are several conventions--the most common being /usr, /usr/local, and /opt You can basically take your pick.

sometimes the install script will have a default--which can normally be overridden.

To run the program, you need to create a link or put the executable name in your $PATH.

hob · 03-25-2006, 02:35 AM

RPMs will automatically install into the correct directories. If you download a tarball and manually compile it, specify /usr/local or /opt, which are designated for custom and third-party applications respectively. Installing into other system directories may cause problems, because it is expected that you will manage those through RPMs.