Best directory to install programs?
 

Hi, excuse the newb questions...running Red Hat 9 using Gnome gui

Problem:

I installed wings3d via the terminal with the sh <filename> command . I was logged in as root when I did the installation. Unfortunately, Wings automatically installs itself in the root folder (which I didn't like), thus I edited with emacs and changed the "default directory" section to something like "/usr/local/myprogs/wings3d". I then saved and tried to install again and it still defaulted to the root folder.

I also tried to drag/drop the installation folder that was created in root to my desired location. Wings would not run after that. Next, I moved the folder back to /root and everything worked fine. I then logged off root and back to into my user account and tried to make a launcher to Wings on the panel. I tried to browse for the program but I have no access to root folder...I tried to su in terminal, but this only grants root access in the terminal not gnome.

I guess I could install under my user account, but I hate when I cant figure things out so here I am.

Questions:

Is it possible to force a program to install in a directory other than a default as in this case?

How do you grant root privelages so that you can access directories inside the gnome/gui environment (not just get su access via the terminal)?

Why would the wings3d app not work when moved the folder in which it was installed?


Thanks for your help, I'm a 3d professional new to the linux environment. I switched to linux for the speed increase in Maya. I'm very impressed with linux thus far and even more impressed with the community. /tipshat

i'm partial to installing packages that are self-sufficient (phpedit, games, Mozilla, etc.) and not distro-specific under /opt/ - just pick a spot and be consistent about it - and avoid obvious no-nos like /etc, /proc, /dev, /var, etc.

You can put wings anywhere you want...just make sure you edit the ROOTDIR variable in the wings wrapper (that's the script named "wings" in the root of the wings directory).

According to convention (and the FHS) user-installed binaries go in /usr/local/bin

Typically most apps allow you to pass an option to the configure script ie:
--install-path=/usr/local/

Then config files will be in /usr/local/etc, libs in /usr/local/libs etc etc...
Usually "./configure --help" will print a list of available options.

As KimVette mentioned, standalone apps go in /opt, but there is much contention between distros as to what exactly is standalone and what isn't. Generally large apps like openoffice, acrobat reader etc go here.

My advice: Unless you have a compelling reason, install software using your distro's package management software (in your case RPM). Saves a lot of hassle in the long run.

Thanks to all for the help! I smile every time I boot up and I don't see windows or apple logos.

I hope to be as helpful for other newbs in the future :D

installing from sources
 

Thanks for everyone.
My problem is that i can get past the untar and ./configure steps

When i go to make i get ++error messages , 'make ***error 1/2 'Recurring error'
Anyone got an idea what is wrong'

I (usually) do not use prefix with ./compile but assume that the package will find its own way around (?/usr/local/)

When i download i put the packages in a directory
/home/my_name/packages /package-1 and untar them in there
cd to that directory and ./configure make and make install.

I s there any difference for libraries
Some of the library packages does not have configure files but just
??????.o files i asume object files
Or some have only .cpp and .h files
How do i handle them
Thanks
:confused:

Can you post some specifics? Tell us which package, distribution, and the exact error messages (copy & paste the exact errors here) - also did you read the docs that came with the package to make sure you have the system requirements satisfied?