make fedora use the ~/.bash_profile
 

for some reason my fedora core 4 doesnt use the ~/.bash_profile file... i tried adding directories to the PATH but when opening a new shell, it will not work. what do i need to add to make this file work? or where should i add to PATH?

I suspect that when you say 'opening a new shell' you mean a terminal window. The terminal window normally runs under the login shell, when you login to your session.

If you want the terminal windows to pick up profile changes when opened, you can 'Edit the current profile', click on the 'Title and command' tab, then select 'Run as a login shell'.

Alternatively, you can logoff and log back in.

If you want changes to take effect when you open a new terminal, use .bashrc. .bash_profile is only run when starting a login shell, .bashrc is read whenever you open a new shell.

You can add the following line .bashrc if it is not already there:
I hope this helps
--Ian