i have extracted it to my desktop, and typed: ./configure works ok then type: make install and i get this

./ make install
/usr/bin/install -c python /usr/local/bin/python2.3
/usr/bin/install: cannot create regular file `/usr/local/bin/python2.3': Permission denied

you have to be root.

so how do i become root?

type, in console:
su -
then root password

ok maybe i forgot to mention im a noob..

anyway i can do that get in termanl as Root.. so how can i mave the python folder to the top level?

This isn't exactly an answer to your question, but wouldn't it be easier to install a binary? I'm sure you could find an rpm for python for Mandrake. With Debian, you would simply type `apt-get install python2.3` and the system would take care of everything for you.

When I was brand new to Linux I compiled a lot of my own software, but now it's rare that I have to do that.

well, you don;t have to. 'make install' does that for you - the only thing make install does is move those executables to the right folder (which is one in your $PATH).

so -
1. ./configure (as normal user) (you can also give options to 'configure' if needed, but that's system specific, and you may not have to)
2. make (as normal user)
3. su [enter root passowrd]
4. make install
5. exit (to become normal user again)

that's it. it should have installled right, and type in "pytho" and hit tab - it should pick it up.

also, please do what rsheridan6 suggested. you won't face any install problems with it , and will save you a lot of time. after all, we don;t learn anything by installing.

lol sorry for being a pain.. i figured that u can install it from the cd useing the software installer.. but thanks anyway as u have gave me new information..! my linux is lookin pretty sharp now..

cool - np at all.