Don't understand how to run "RPM"
 

Hello everyone.
My name is Danny and I've tried several times before to become a linux user but always run into problems.

My problem is that I am trying to install Opera and I'm using Vine Linux 4.0 (It's a Redhat Linux one)
I don't know how to even run this "rpm" file. I've tried reading the itructions but it assumes that you have Linux knowlege.
Please be patient with me.
Thanks
Dan

in linux its easy

all u have to do type rpm --help
all the options are display or type "man rpm" manual for rpm is showed.

to install --> rpm -ivh name.rpm

Thanks (that was quick):)
I'll try that.
Also I'm having trouble with skype (if anyone uses it??)

Ummm........
How do you run an rpm file if it's on the desktop??
IE:What do I have to type in to get to run it?

[Danny@localhost Danny]$ Danny/Desktop/rpm -U skype-1.3.0.53-fc5.i586.rpm
bash: Danny/Desktop/rpm: No such file or directory
[Danny@localhost Danny]$


This is what happin if I try to run it!!!!????

start a terminal window. type "cd Desktop" at the command prompt#. type "ls -la" to see all the files in Desktop (u should see ur downloaded rpm file there). then as suggested by gv_rajasekhar type rpm -ivh name.rpm or rpm -Uvh name.rpm to install the file. u can use the Tab key to autocomplete the file name also (if u press the tab key after typing rpm -Uvh +few alphabet of the file name, it will auto complete the file name. This way u can minimize typo in file name).

Will try that

What does this mean?
[Danny@localhost Desktop]$ rpm -ivh opera-9.02-20060919.1-static-qt.i386-en.rpm
error: can't create transaction lock on /var/lib/rpm/__db.000
[Danny@localhost Desktop]$

Means you got temp files from a previous operation.
Do "rm -f /var/lib/rpm/__db.00?" (without the quotes), then try again.

seems like ur rpm database is corrupt, try by typing "rpm --rebuilddb". u may have to acquire root previlage to do that. type "su -" it will ask u for the root passwd after that.

UnSpawn - does he need to rebuild the rpm database after removing the file or only removing the file will work fine?

I use skype. What's the problem you're having?

I'm sorry everyone but I HAVE to go to sleep now as I have work tomorrow. Thanks for all the help!!!:)
I'm now understanding this.
I think I will just install a more used version of Linux, like Fedora 6 and then come back with my questions, If I have any problems...
Thanks
Dan

Your distribution probably has a built-in graphical package manager. I odn't know anything about this particular one, but as it's Red Hat-based it probably uses the Red Hat package manager.

If it does then you can just click on the file from a file manager (or on the desktop), and that will launch an interactive program that will install the package. That's a lot easier than trying to do anything using the command line.

It looks like he was trying to run rpm as the regular user, the problem with the lock file is probably just caused by needing root permissions. This is needed for most system administration commands. Get this by typing su into the terminal, then it will ask for your root password (not your regular user password).

Hey,
I'm back from work and have been successful in installing Opera web browser. Thankyou very much for all the help. In the end I needed to "su" to root user and then remove the __db.00 So thanks for the help.
I've also installed linux for my mom who HATES how slow Windows is on her rather new computer (512mb, Pentium 4 2.80Ghz) and she has fallen in love with Linux.
The reason I use Vine Linux is that I need to use both Japanese and English in a up to date and regularly updated distribution.
Thankyou again
Danny
Oh and my problem with skype seems to be one of proxies servers (does not connect)....

just do : rpm -ivh __________.rpm

@windycity_linux: UnSpawn - does he need to rebuild the rpm database after removing the file or only removing the file will work fine?
Well, since the message clearly reads "error: can't create transaction lock" removing the files should suffice. IMHO rebuilding the database is a last resort option and should only be used when it's clear the database is corrupt like when there's no verification data anymore or no install/update/remove possible at all.