I know I'm going to look like a fool asking this question...but thats probably because i am...i just switched over to linux and in the process lost windows so I'm stuck with linux for good (which isn't bad) but i have a lot to learn...and fast.....sooooooo, i have no idea how to compile/install a program.

if someone could give me a link or tell me how that would be awesome....I'm using knoppix (if that matters) and ill probably be using xterm for the compiling

THANKS everyone!!

-Jim

Jim,

First, you don't look like a fool, and you are not. However, search here and www.google.com/linux as much as you can; and read the documentation you can find, especially posted in links here.

Have you installed Knoppix to your hard drive? I would assume you have, if you've "lost Windoze." Since you didn't ask how you might recover Windoze, I won't go there. It is good that you have decided to be "stuck with Linux." Though the learning curve may be steep, I don't think you'll regret "losing Windoze."

Knoppix is a version of Debian that has been compiled by Klaus Knopper. You may want to visit his website http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-old-en.html for more information, to give yourself a good base for starting. You can also read the html file on the Knoppix CD that launches if you insert said CD. Additionally, you should go to http://www.knoppix.net/ for Knoppix information and the Debian website at http://www.debian.org/

Now, Debian uses the APT (Advanced Packaging Tool) method to "compile/install" a program. Visit http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/apt-howto/ to learn how to use APT.

And last for this post, but not least at all, you can also get help from the Knoppix forum at http://www.knoppix.net/forum/ While that forum has specific Knoppix threads, I do find that the more experienced posters in LQ have better information concerning Linux, and Debian specifically. Visit our Debian sub-forum under the Linux - Distributions forum http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...php?forumid=26

Which version of Knoppix did you install, and what exactly do you need to compile/install? I run Debian Sarge on this comp, and have Knoppix v3.3 running on my wife and daughter's comp. I'm no expert, but will share what has worked for me.

Welcome to LQ, and the world of freedom!

My third desire in life at the moment is to be Micro$loth free!!!

thats brave jim, i havent taken that big of a leap to linux yet... i still am dependent on windows for games, and java compilers (i know these are available in linux, but i want it installed on linux before i pull the plug on windows, no point in having a useless box for a few days/weeks if i dont get it)

If you're talking about compiling from source, and not installing ("apt-get install [package_name]"), then there are a few steps you need to take once you have the file.
1. It's usually in the form of "package.tar.gz", so you need to run "tar -xvzf package.tar.gz".
2. cd into the directory created when you ran tar, and type "./configure". There are other options when you do this, such as --prefix=path, where path is where you want it installed.
3. type make, then once that's done make install, you're done. You can run make clean now, it's probably best.

Pretty sure make install needs to be done as root.

This page has an in depth description of the process.

Also, you are brave. I run Debian on my main desktop and Mandrake on my laptop for school, but I still run WinXP on a second desktop for games. I just don't like Wine I guess, but right now you can't beat Win for games. If your not a gamer of course, smart move and good luck.
- cirofren