Another stupid-a$$ newbie "how do I install xyz" thread

Originally Posted by pdw_hu 'make' compiles and 'make install' installs it (basically copies it). as for installation directories, ./configure --help lists you some command line options (--help is one of them for ex.) which you can override the defaults. executables can be put whereever you want basically and ran by ./file as for the uninstall issue: let's say you extracted something, did ./configure,make and make install. then deleted that directory. after a while you want to uninstall that program. you can either search for all the files for that program (but then it's easy to miss something) or you can just extract the source again, run ./configure then do make uninstall (as root, sorry i didnt mention that before). or you could just backup the first directory, but that takes up lots of place.

sorry forgive me, i'm slow leaner as you say ./configure --help command where to I had to type or how to create the files so on... if possible can some make abit detail e.g; right click mouse -> create folder -> so on...

thank you very much.

well... here is my problem as I'm new about the FC5 (which I had already installed) and I want to play VCD or DVD or Files format at FC5 so I had download the MPlayer (ofcouse, I also no sure which one is the right version for me. But for sure is MY com is P4 2.4G) if possible create the link for me to download.

Now when I want to install the application which at my folder (that I had create at the Dektop) so where should I place the application to and how to install it (how to make or create link) becouse there is no guide for NEWBIE (e.g: File -> Create folder -> so for) so we might able to know how to get to start it.(As I call STARTED KIT).hehehe....

also I wanted to my Nvidia Driver (which also don't how to install) as it "NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8178-pkg1.run"

OK, I had found this which for NEWBIE like me. e.g: how to become a "ROOT" so on... all the The Basics FAQ -

Here is the 1st Step.

1Q: What is terminal? How do I "open a terminal?"

1A: A "terminal" is a way of typing commands to the computer. That may sound very strange, but it's actually really, really nice and easy once you get used to it. You can use Fedora as a totally graphical system, or you can use it totally with the terminal. I like to do both; I use whichever one is easier for the task I'm doing.

As for FC5 (which I currently use) to open a terminal.

To open a terminal in a graphical environment:

@ Applications (upper left) -> Accessories -> Terminal (Mouse Right Click, you can create a Launcher to Desktop). when terminal open look like this -> [username@localhost ~]$ as for MORE info click -


2Q: What is root? How do I "become root?"
2A: "root" is the name of the user who can control everything on the entire computer. We call this the "super user."

To become root, first you must open a terminal. Then, you type:

su -

Note that the "-" is very important -- it sets things so that you have easy access to all the commands on the computer.

Then, you have to type in your root password (when typing root password the binking bar remain stay not moving at all. SO don't worry, just type and press enter will do). when you done right you will see [root@localhost ~]# at the Terminal, You set this when you installed Fedora.

If you're using the "open a terminal" method where you make the whole screen into a terminal, then you just need to put "root" as your "Login:" name, and then enter the correct password.

Originally Posted by FireGunz Now when I want to install the application which at my folder (that I had create at the Dektop) so where should I place the application to and how to install it (how to make or create link) becouse there is no guide for NEWBIE (e.g: File -> Create folder -> so for) so we might able to know how to get to start it.(As I call STARTED KIT).hehehe.... also I wanted to my Nvidia Driver (which also don't how to install) as it "NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8178-pkg1.run"

If using the console, mkdir name will create a directory in the current folder. You make them elsewhere using mkdir /path/name.

I know in KDE to make a folder you right click and go New->Folder just like in Windows.

As for installing the nVidia proprietry drivers, type sh NVIDIA-Linux... etc to run it. if your filename has [B] like you typed you'll have to include that. When it is running, Accept the agreement but don't look for a precompiled kernel config. I think there are two questions that you have to say No to before it installs. I had lots of trouble with my nVidia drivers, so I hope this helps you (I can do them easily now )

Originally Posted by hsimah If using the console, mkdir name will create a directory in the current folder. You make them elsewhere using mkdir /path/name. I know in KDE to make a folder you right click and go New->Folder just like in Windows. As for installing the nVidia proprietry drivers, type sh NVIDIA-Linux... etc to run it. if your filename has [B] like you typed you'll have to include that. When it is running, Accept the agreement but don't look for a precompiled kernel config. I think there are two questions that you have to say No to before it installs. I had lots of trouble with my nVidia drivers, so I hope this helps you (I can do them easily now )

wow... thank for the reply. what is KDE?

As you say If using the console, mkdir name will create a directory in the current folder. You make them elsewhere using mkdir /path/name.

how it look like? e.g:

[root@localhost ~]# mkdir /home/user_name

(as the the home is the User_Name Home folder at desktop.


hmmm.... As for installing the nVidia proprietry drivers where should I type? at Terminal become ROOT. e.g:

[root@localhost ~]# NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8178-pkg1.run

let say's, If I put the NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8178-pkg1.run in the User_Name Home folder at desktop. so how to I do.

Sorry for the trouble. if you can give MORE tips for me to lean.

KDE is one of the GUI's included with Slackware. I dunno about most people, but it is what I first used when I tried Linux.

about mkdir, thats right, if you want a new folder in your home directory mkdir /home/user_name/newfolder would make a new folder called newfolder. On my box I'd do "mkdir /home/hsimah/new_folder" etc

and yes, run the nvidia installer as root, so type:

[root@localhost ~]# sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8178-pkg1.run

Don't forget the sh. I am not sure what sh is exactly, but thats what you use. I think its something to do with the shell maybe?