can't compile in redhat 8
 

hello.
due to an oversight during install, i do not have the neccesary devtools installed to make programs on my box, i can't update my system because i used my friend's cd's to install and i can't use redhat's built in tools to update because RHN just wont download and when i try to use the packages tool, i get complaints that useless and obsolete packages are needed (packages which are already installed in newer versions)
how shall i go about fixing this?
thanks
bennyp

Do you still have the cd's?

sadly no. my sister's win98 box has a burner, but i dont think she'd take kindly to having it harvested =)
i'll see what i can do about getting cds.

If you are on line go to http://apt.freshrpms.net and download apt for your version of redhat then.
From the command line as root:

$rpm -ivh apt*
then
$apt-get update

$apt-get install gcc (if you want the Gnu compiler, sub whatever package it is you want where you see gcc)


So now you don't need cd's and most of the cool software out there is already apt/rpm ready. Then once you have dev tools you can ./configure/make the software you can't get with apt.

Also...if you like apt read more at www.google.com/linux by entering
apt +how +to look for the manual from debian. It will have the basic commands you need plus as you get used to stuff you can expand your ability to install from source etc

take care, if you get stuck I'll be back later to check this thread!

You may need to run apt-get update twice - I think I've seen a couple of threads here with that in there.

thanks a whole lot this is really really useful!

edit:
i used your advice to install gcc
then i went to the DRI website (dri,sourceforge) and followed the directions to compile glide 3 for voodoo5

i cvs'ed up all the files needed, but when i got to the step:
i got the following:
i installed an rpm form rpmfind under the keyword aclocal, then i did apt-get install aclocals

and it still doesn't work, which is really upsetting. i'm going to reboot now and fancifully hoe everything works out. sorry to change topics so abruptly but thanks for your help anyways =)

edit2: i was trying to compile xmps, and near the end of ./configure it told me that my compiler couldn't create executables

Hmm...I never used either piece of software so trouble shooting this would be a total blind stab. Having said that My first instict would be to check the provided make file with the source code. Theat error looks like it choked on a line in the make file. Sometimes (again a stab in the dark) the folks who post src for d'l try to optimize a make file that is distro indy. That is great but it can also cause problems if you have a bizarre or inconsistant file tree. The easiest thing would be to google the program and your distro to see if anyone else hit the same snag. Also read the faq's (but you know this) at source forge and on the home url of the package. Failing that learn how to roll your own rpm's and load 'em up that way. It is really not that much more work.

edit: In fact the more I think about it...it could be host of things...

As for g++ not being able to create executables...I have no idea what to make of that...:) i mean c'mon, g++ was used to create just about every if not all executable files written C++ (for linux that is) since the FSF took it in and made it what it is today...I'm at a loss. Although I do know there is a book call GCC the complete reference. It is probably 60 bucks at your local chain store. Of course since gcc is covered under the gpl, I'm sure there is an exaustive tome on the net - try www.fsf.org first.

http://www.fsf.org/software/gcc/onlinedocs/ ...yep there is