Newbie: What directory do programs install to in Linux?
 

Hello There,

Im sure this is probably a really stupid question but I am new to Linux and coming from a MS Windows environment. I am used to files being installed in C:\Program Files\

Whenever i install a program in Linux I can never find the installation directory. This is bad because when I go to the Gnome application menu and I dont see it....well that means i will never get to use the program. Linux never prompts me for a path to install the programs in. Maybe someone can give me some rules of thumb about where to search for the installation directory.

Thanks and I really appreciate all your help so far. Linux has been great so far and the desktop loads super fast!!

The install all over the place. It really depends on what exactly you are doing.

I suggest installing programs as a regular user, and place them in your home directory. If you are installing .RPM files, then you will more than likely need to be root.

Before installing any programs refer to the programs documentation to see where they are installed in.

Typical installations:

For programs lookin in the subdirectories of:
/usr/local/

config files
/etc/

System Binary files
/sbin/

GNU utils
/bin/

I suggest you pick a book called "Red Hat Linux Networking and System Administration". Its helpful and explains everything you need to know.

Remember, Linux is a Server OS, not really a desktop OS.

If you are looking for a Windows replacement, I suggest Xandros www.xandros.com

Its a debian based distribution, and is the best for Desktop Use. I use it for Desktop, and Redhat for my servers. Its very user friendly, fast, good looking, and you will be able to see all the programs installed.

Err dont think so . Might have been the case 10 years ago but now that statement could only be applied to Apache web server.

Most programs that you know as .exe files are in linux as .bin Executeable files for windows are really binary files and Linux calls them that

Look in /bin ........./usr/bin.......... /usr/local/bin

lol yeah right

/bin is reserved for system files. And linux can have any file executible. file extensions don't matter in linux. As long as the properties are set to be executiable.

But if you see a file with extension .sh or .bin, its more than likely an install script of some sort.

And although Linux has evolved, its primarly a Server OS. It can be customized for Desktop Use, but its still a server OS. Just look at the complexity. Do you think Joe Bob will want to bother with an OS that installes programs where the author of the program wants to install them? Marry Bob and Joe Bob are not going to wast their time with Linux. Trust me, I've been an admin for 10 years.

Thats why I suggest Xandros for Desktop use. You can't cut your hand with a rubber knife.

d_GeNeRiT, most programs can easily be run from the command line, by simply typing the name of the program (assuming you installed them from an rpm or via yum). You can also add buttons to run them to the menu. Just right click on it and hunt around in the options. I'm not at my Linux computer at the moment, but can offer more detailed instructions later if you want them.

Thanks everyone,

This is exactly the information I was looking for. I printed out this page to aid me in the future.

The reason I am learning Fedora 4 is because i hope to get certified as Certified Red Hat Admin. And I am not aware of the other distros having a certification. So I hope to learn this O/S well enough so I can become a Unix admin in the future.

I have Microsoft Certified Professional certification and will be taking the exam for A+ certification within a couple months. I graduate from college in 5 months with bachelors Degree in MIS. I plan to move to New York City or Washington DC to look for a good job in IT. Can you guys recommend any other cities where I can find a good job?

You can use option --prefix=/path/to/install if you want. It can be used in rpm (as a binary packet) and configure (a script file in source code packet)

Debian is not cutting edge of Linux, Fedora is.
Debian is a stable distro, but they don't keep up with the cutting edge of Linux.
Apps that are greatly improved on , Fedora 4 does and only those apps that are stable.
The new unstable apps are being used in Fedora 5 test version if you like living on the wild side.

Jim