Installed RPM/tar file, cant find out how to run it
 

Ok, yea im a windows user trying to come over to the dark side. Anyways, I installed a RPM, and it installed correctly. Problem is, I have no clue how to make that specific program run.

Second. I unpacked a tar and configured/made it it worked, so it installed correctly. But same problem, how do I go about running the "program"? Where would these exe's or whatever linux uses be at? Thnx for any help.

It depends on what you installed. Some rpms create shortcuts for you and some just hide themselves in the depths of the linux filesystem. What did you install exactly?

Try opening an x terminal and type in the program name.

Say you installed gkrellm_1.2.13-1_i386.rpm

Type the command gkrellm

If it's in your PATH, it will execute.

# For finding or locating files
find
locate
which
whereis

Basic Linux directory structure

Filesystems, directories and devices

What im trying to install is the GNU gcc compiler
 

it installed, but i dont know how to access it to make it run.

From your first post, you have already used it. :D When you commanded

./configure ; make ; make install

and it worked. Now you can call up the program you just compiled like I said before. Just replace the .rpm with .tar.gz + compile and install, then run as stated before.

Perhaps these will help explain:

# Guides to software and installation
Compiling Software Help File
LNAG - How do I install a program I downloaded from the Internet?
Rute Guide's software explanation

# Find software here
Freshmeat
Sourceforge
rpmfind