Newbie help needed
 

I use Mandrake Linux and I was wondering if there was an easy way to install tar.gz files using Mandrake. I know you have to use the command line but that seems like a tedious process that sometimes never works right. I thought Mandrake was geared toward new users and I know new users like me grow weary of using the command line.

I also have a question about rpm files. If I download an rpm package, where do I need to put so that the Mandrake software manager can see it?

Dunno about the tar.gz files...

As for the rpm files, any good old place is fine. If you double-click the file, it will probably ask you for root authorization, and then install the package. I say "probably" because I use Red Hat, but I'd imagine Mandrake would have something similar.

That said, I'd suggest a single repository for rpm files. It's not necessary, but I make a directory: /usr/local/rpm. I put all the rpms in that directory "just in case".

You just install RPMs until you feel like trying installing from source.
Why would you knock Mandrake because you CAN use command line as much as you want?
Most programs are available for Mandrake as RPMs. Are you wanting to install one of the not-completely-free programs that like to use a shell script to install the aplication, or are you really wanting (or needing) to install source?
Once you learn how to do it, a source install is not that bad.
Good Luck.

in another thread, someone posted a great guide on installing tar.gz files. http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...threadid=45094 It helped me. Its really not that tedious once you get the hang of it (i did in like an hour), and you can paste and cd from your file manager, so you dont have to type too much.

:)

Here's a clue:

Whenever you untar and unzip a tar.gz always go into your new directory and take a look at the README or INSTALL files. They will almost always take any guess work out of the process. Pay attention to error messages. If need be, copy the error message, Google it, and you will almost always find what other files are needed (in case you didnt check out "dependencies" on the software's website).

If you dont use the command line interface, you might as well use Windows. Sorry, dont take that the wrong way, but it's the truth.

I wouldn't go that far. Although people that talk down command line interfaces (yes, even DOS) don't know what they are talking about. That some people PREFER a GUI is fine with me.
There really isn't any reason someone cannot enjoy using Linux without too much command line. It is best to learn at least some basics though.
Not learning all the tools available does mean you will be limited in some tasks.

its ok to prefer a gui but inexcusable to not learn the cli. but, this is just an opinion. suffice it to say that if you DONT learn the cli then dont expect to get very far.

To JStew:

I'm sorry, I actually don't have aproblem using the command line. In actuality, my installation didn't install correctly so when I tried to compile I get error messages. I had actually tried the walkthrough in the post on the forum. Please don't make me feel dumb. I am just a newbie to Linux, That's all!

To contrasutra:

I actually looked at that post. I'll try it again if everything goes right!

I don't believe he was trying to make you feel dumb. As you begin to learn the ins-and-outs of using linux, you'll find that a lot of people will refer you to a command line. You can do pretty much everything from a prompt. It gets to the point that some people depend heavily on the command line; so much so that having a GUI becomes optional, and in some cases, a hassle.

Don't sweat it. Learn at your own pace. You'll understand in due time.

Nosebleed: sorry if you thought i was bein an ass... im just an opiniated b.s. artist... remember that no one can make you feel a certain way (read-> Internal Locus of Control , not External...)

It's okay. I've just had a lot on my mind. Not going to get too personal though.

I actually think this is a great forum, though. I haven't recieved this much help on other forums, so thanks!

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