Very new to linux
 

Can i ask one simple question from a simpleton like me, who doesnt have a programming background...why is linux so difficult to use, example, running and installing programs. i love the desktop and everything about linux but is so frustrating for beginners...the desktop is reasonably easy to use but have program folders on my desktop that i cant do anything with. i think i have made them install by copying a script to the terminal, but cant find where they installed to and how to run em.

i understand that linux was primarily built for programmers and has come along way but could be a little simpler for beginners.

Is there an easy way to get programs installed and running like windows programs behave ?


p.s trying to install simple programs like GNU radio and digital decoding software (DSD)..

Is there an easy way to get programs installed and running like windows programs behave ?
Linux has evolved a lot in these years.
You could use Ubuntu, it much easier to use and also you can make installation. Its really not so tough once you get to know some basics. read up some basics on the usage.

From his post, the OS icon show he was using Ubuntu to do his post.

To the OP, Ubuntu is really easy, like anything it takes a little time to get used to.

Open your Applications menu. At the bottom you will see Ubuntu Software Center. Open that and you will find a plethora of software titles to choose from, neatly arranged into relevant categories. Select a category, find a package you want, then click "install". Couldn't be easier. :)

Very new to linux
 

Thanks guys i think i have installed them or is downloading from the software centre the same as installing a program..they appear as files on my desktop but just cant run them...do i have to use the terminal to run programs to make them work.

Ubuntu Software Center downloads and installs everything you need automatically. Just tell it to install a program, wait, and it should be ready to use.

Firstly.

Secondly, I'll assume that you have used some other computer system before. This can make things harder, initially, because there is some unlearning to do. If, eg, you try to use Linux like Windows, you'll have Windows with some extra difficulties, because, for good reason, things don't work exactly the same way here as they do there...otherwise, it would just be a 'knock-off' of Windows, and one bad OS is enough, or even one too many :)

Thirdly, for the kind of distro that you are likely to start with, there will be some kind of package manager. Assuming network connectivity, all you have to do is to find the package manager (...names may vary between distros...), select what you want, and it will do the rest for you. In some cases, there are packages that are restricted, due to licensing or other considerations; in this case, you will have to add some kind of extra repository (your distro will document this...somewhere; if you need more help with this, please state your distro and version, and someone will most likely be able to give you more exact advice) and then follow the previous procedure.