Hi there,

I am using linux via a virtual log in to another computer (using the terminal on my mac). I installed a piece of software on the virtual log in via a pre-compiled binary release. This is a now in a directory in my log in and the directory looks like this: "softwarename.Linux_x86_64" and then within that directory there are the different software tools that I can run. I want to use the software on some data files that are stored in a different directory. However, when I go into the directory with my data and try to run the software from the command line it doesn't work. However, I tried moving one or two data files from the other directory into the "softwarename.Linux_x86_64" directory and when I try to run the software from that directory on the moved data files it works fine. So my question is if you have installed a software package via a pre-compiled binary release do you always need to move you data files you want to use that software on into the same directory as that software?
Or can I move the data into a different sub-directory created within the "softwarename.Linux_x86_64" directory.

I hope my question makes sense. Thank you for your help.

Being more specific (e.g., what exactly IS softwarename, providing any error or warning messages, etc.) would make this easier to answer. That said, it's likely you don't have the correct permissions on the directory the data files are originally stored in whereas you do in the directory you move them to. Generally speaking, no, you don't need to move files around and yes, you could move them all to a sub-directory, but that's a work-around.

My guess is because the softwares aren't in your PATH env variable, you have to execute them using full path or with ./ if you are in the softwares directory.

You can add the path to the softwares by altering the PATH env variable in ~/.bashrc for example:

Then you will be able to execute softwares just with their names, passing full path to files as software arguments

Maybe just link the path to your software directory. I guess it could be any number of issues too like file system permissions. Software could be running as a user I guess too.

I didn't read your question closely enough. What keefaz said is most likely the issue.

PATH is for executables.

It seems as though the program - residing in "softwarename.Linux_x86_64" - accepts data only in its own directory. The question is how to make the program point to data in some other directory. This can be best addressed by going through the original program (documentation, help files, install options, web - if it is well known software.

OK