...about file associations in Linux, like "a .tar is opened with this", and so forth? Something that just spells out all the file associations?

Thanks.

Well, that isn't strictly the way things work...
You could access a tar file using many different tools ('tar' comes to mind...)
It would be the same with most files.

However, try the linuxquestions wiki, which has some information on common file extensions:
http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/...ile_extensions

You can also search wikipedia, which will probably have more info.

As bulliver pointed out, it's not as simple as it sounds. For example, *.pdf files are associated with kpdf, xpdf, gpdf, and Acrobat Reader (and probably others) in Linux. You can have one or all four installed on your system, pdf files can be associated with each one, and the four will be prioritized.

Another place to start would be your very own system. There's going to be some way of associating file types with applications in the desktop environment you installed. You could look at the default associations and then you'll know what's what on your system. For example, if you installed KDE, kpdf is likely the default app for viewing pdf files. If you right click on the icon of a file, select properties, and navigate around the tabs you'll find the associations.

If you're strictly CLI, belay my last.

For example, I have just downloaded the apparently most current WINE i386.deb . How would I figure out how to open that without having to be a noob and come and ask every time?

I guess you will just have to search for the extension. For instance, that wiki page I pointed you to states that a *.deb is a Debian package file. So then search for "Debian package file" and it should shed some light.

But to belabour the point, even a deb file can be installed using several different methods. I am sorry to dissapoint but for a while you will just have to use trial and error, with help from google. After a while it won't be an issue...

If it's a .deb package then just right -click on the MOFO and you will see the obveous!

I'm sorry, call me a noob. If you mean package installer, I get the message "corrupted or no permission".

That would indicate that the package is corrupt in some way.

Tell me where you got this package and I will download and attempt to install it k?

Also, if you might consider using a package manager to install things on your system. You could use apt-get from the command line or synaptic if you like a GUI or whatever comes with Ubuntu. It increases the chance that you're getting the package from a reliable repository. For example, if you go to this webpage, it'll give you the directions for setting up the repository to install Wine on a Debian based distro.

I have Synaptic Package Manager, which comes with Ubuntu. I have extracted the tar with the archive manager, but now how do I install it? Or, again, do you want to send me to noob heaven?

If you right click an icon and select Properties you will see that every file has a mime type which actually determines what the file is. File extensions aren't always required. I don't use them unless the application adds them automatically. Sometimes going into the Synaptic Package Manager and using the search function can help you find an appropriate application even if you don't have it installed.

I think I just did that, although I can't fine WINE now, nor can I find Crossover to uninstall it.

But I:

Downloaded the WINE tar.tar,
Opened Synaptic Package Manger and chose "unistalled"
Searched the window on the upper right side of the Package Manager,
Found WINE as unistalled,
Marked it for installation,
and installed it.

Now if I can just unistall Crossover and find WINE, I will have done enough for one day.

Well., what .tar are you trying to install my friend?!

Is it a new theme, icons, what?

If it is a theme or somthing, then you would just drag it into your theme folder and BAM! installed!

It's WINE. Actually, with themes, I tried dragging the files into Theme Manager and it didn't work.

Follow the link in my previous post. Set up the repository and use Synaptic to install Wine. You don't need a tar.

Are you interested in using Wine or learning how to install from source? Using a package manager won't make you less of a (wo)man.