Directories and Tar files: I'm not getting it.
 

I have Madriva 2008 and I'm having trouble with a few things. The software I want to use is only available in tar format. When I try to configure it the text command reads ([pete@localhost ~]$ ./configure
bash: ./configure: No such file or directory
[pete@localhost ~]$) or([root@localhost pete]# ./configure
bash: ./configure: No such file or directory
[root@localhost pete]# ).

Question 1. Is configure a shell command or is it something with the tar file.
2. If the directory I use is the desktop how does the O.S know which one of the files in the desk top directory i want to configure.

Thanks in advance

you should untar(extract) it
then you will get a folder.. cd to that folder and then run ./configure

ps: there might be a README file in the extracted folder.. better read the file.. it describes how to install the software.

configure is a usually specific to the app you want to install. The creator of the app might use GNU auto tools to generate it.

Don't worry, 'configure' & 'make install' will figure that out!

The "sudo make install" phase will copy file where they belong. Most likely somewhere under /usr, or /usr/local/.

I think I've got it. Thank you ,thank you, and Thank you!
 

I fooled with this for a while until I finally broke down for help on a forum as you know. I've had a dual boot computer for about a year and a half. I have XP on it which has it's positives but is not the greatest for learning(not open source),and I had one virus that I believe was caused by a buffer overload.I've been on Mandriva for a week straight now with no browser crashes which is my main problem with XP. Your assistance has gotten me over the hurdle and I appreciate it. I will be posting my next problem shortly.
Thanks Again and Serendipity to all.

Thanks jschiwal for correcting me..
It is 'make install' that figures out and copies the files to appropriate paths.