I need some clarification to understand Linux download / install process.
I am using Ubuntu and I can "download" to "Download" directory.
As far as I know "Download" is not part of Linux directories structure.
For example "/usr" is part of Linux directory structure.

So where is (Ubuntu) "Download " in Linux directory structure ?

AFTER I download the zipped files I can move it to another directory.
So WHERE do I move it to keep it under Linux "supervision" ?

Other words - where are user files other than the ones which came with original OS install?


After the zipped file is moved to proper directory I can extract / unzip it to where ?

After it is extracted it usually has "config " or "install" to actually install the executable. Again "install" usually has source / destination options.

My assumption is all of the above is applicable under SINGLE user - currently logged in.


AT this point I am not asking about similar process when the application is retrieved from repository. Maybe I will ask later.

Downloads is in your home dir, you can untar / unzip files in your downloads then move them to where you need them or man the app you using to untar then use the flag to direct it to where to untar the file. use sudo to move to system side.

if you got a deb to install

The best and smartest way to install is from the default repos for your distribution, using subversion or apt tools.
This is the only way to ensure that they are distribution supported and will not break your system.

PS. No, I do not always follow my own advice, but it is good advice. I have 30+ years of experience. If you have less than ten then avoiding the stable and supported path will lead to cliffs and dragons from time to time.

Best of luck!

As BW-userx says, it's normally under /home/USER/Downloads, where USER stands for the name of the account you are using. You can change the download directory in the browser options.
Anywhere, or don't move it.
Linux doesn't supervise your files. Nothing under /home/USER will ever be touched by a self-respecting system program.
/home/USER. Of course, nothing prevents you to copy your files somewhere else, as long as you have permission. For example, /var/tmp.
Anywhere that suits you. I would create a separate directory for it.
That really depends on the particular software you are installing.

One of the standards by which software is distributed is named autoconf, a GNU project. Using autoconf, the developer creates a makefile that builds the software from source, and a configure script that both checks for prerequisites and prepares the environment for building the software. But such software is not normally distributed in ZIP form.
This is no different if several users exist and are logged on at the same time.
If you accept me answering your future question: Usually, when you install from an apt, yum, zypper etc. repository, you don't think about download directories or unpack directories. This is all done automatically behind the scenes, although I suppose you can control this manually if you want.

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please read afaiu, you are asking about the linux home directory (as opposed to system directories which, somewhat counterintuitive, /usr is also a part of)?