Now I know why there are not more people using Linux. I can't even install Netscape 7. I read the readme file and do what it says and either one of two things happen.

1. Nothing.

2. I get a host error.

Is it this difficult to install software under Linux? In the read me there is a list of dependant software needed for it to run. How do I even know if I have those?

I gota tell ya, I really want to learn this OS because I am sick and tired of M$ but I can't seem to get ANYTHING done with it. All I want is a silly web browser. I can't imagine how hard it is goingt to be to get my ATI TV card to work...

Any help with this would be great. I just need to get the basics down for installing software in Mandrake 9.0. That will be a good start.

When I look at help files I see things like run this line "./netscape-install" Thats's great. Now, run it where?

I am using KDE if that helps.

Open a console. cd to the directory you unzipped the netscape file to. type in ./netscape-install. Follow the instructions.

I downloaded and installed it earlier - I still prefer Mozilla.

Thank god for you I got it to work. Is it always that difficult to install programs in Linux? No point and click? I don't want to sound like a lazy moron but... it is a lot easier.

Where should I have put that program? I put it in /usr/local

Thanks for the help.

linux is a completely different os from windows, and almost everything is done differently. you will need to learn new processes and commands, but trust me, the frustration is worth it.

as far as netscape goes, i've never installed it because i have mozilla, which is much better imho.

Good to hear you're up and running. It is a pain when you get started, but is definitely worth it. I've only been at it for a week or so myself.

With many programs in Linux, I have found that there is always an extra step - whether it is running the program as 'root' or 'su', or unzipping and then manually copying over, or whatever. It does get easier, I assure you. Most programs do come with either a detailled readme or support - or come here for help. I unzipped the file to my home directory, the installer did the rest. Once you have the install finished you can delete the folder you created when you unzipped the tar file.

RPMs are usually point and click, but they are obviously distro and architecture specific. If the installers have the time, patience and willingness they create install files for as many distros and computers as they can, otherwise you have to compile the code yourself - both methods have their fans and I think it's down to personal preference. I too am lazy and prefer the nice easy rpms!

Two questions.

What do you do when a program hangs? Windows had the ctrl+alt+delete What do I do under Linux?

I know its silly but I really hate the hand that the pointer changers to when you hover over a link. Is there a way to change it?

I was idly wondering about the second question earlier. I hope you get an answer!

You should be able to kill a program by right clicking it's task bar entry.

BTW - slightly off topic, sort of, but my DVD player in WinME (using WinDVD) ran really slowly and jerkily. Using Ogle in Mdk9 it runs perfectly. And people say that Linux is no use because it's free......

You can kill a process from the shell if the aforementioned technique doesn't work.

ps aux

This will give you the running processes. You can figure out the program you're looking for under the command column (the farthest to the right on my computer). Once you've found that got to the corresponding pid column (second from the left on my computer). Then type
kill and the number of the pid you want to end.

In KDE U can press Ctrl+Esc its the same as A+C+Del in winblows.

On console you can try
$top

This lists all the process (in a table). To kill the process press 'k' followed by 'pid'. Type 'yes' when asked. Use 'h' for help.

See Linux gives U hundreds of ways to do things including killing the apps.
I have the kill icon on my desktop to kill a hanged app.
Linux is about choice.

Apps dont give problem as much as in winblows. I have run around 15 graphic intensive apps in kde (for testing) and no probs.