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

theKbStockpiler · 09-19-2009, 12:22 AM

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

mobinskariya · 09-19-2009, 12:26 AM

you should untar(extract) it

Code:

tar -xvf filename.tar

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.

unev_21 · 09-19-2009, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Question 1. Is configure a shell command or is it something with the tar file.

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.

Quote:

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

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

jschiwal · 09-19-2009, 01:35 AM

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

theKbStockpiler · 09-19-2009, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobinskariya

you should untar(extract) it

Code:

tar -xvf filename.tar

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.

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.

unev_21 · 09-19-2009, 02:47 AM

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