Quote:
Originally posted by LouisTheDamned
1. what does the -zxvf in tar mean?
2. so a tar.gz is a tar inside a zip. Isnt that a bad idea?
3. Make? please explain this command a little better
4. Ive double clicked a .bin file, as well as tried to run from command
prompt. It doesnt do anyting. Linux equalivalent to "bad command or file name"
-learning how to walk again... thanks in advance [/B]
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1. Easiest answer is to type "man tar" at the terminal, it gives you the full description of tar, and every modifier. Here are what those 4 modifiers do to a tar file:
-z does the unzip
-v is verbose, it gives you a description of everything it does
-f is file, not real sure on how that works, but it every time I do a tar f is in there
-x is exclude I believe
2. You're right in that it is a tar inside a zip, but no it isn't a bad idea. It is 2 different methods of compression, so together you get a super tight package
3. Make is more along the lines of what happens at first when you click on an exe file for something you haven't installed yet. It goes through the install, doing things like checking for dependencies, and putting files in the locations they will be called from/ The various makes (clean, install, etc) split the functions. If you don't mind temporary files used only during the install hanging around, then don't do a make clean, it simply cleans up after an install.
4. You won't get far double clicking things in Linux. Bin files might do the installing, but you need to go through the readme file that comes in a tar.gz, and type in just what it tells you. I get the impression you like the mouse. That is fine, but you'll find life is much easier on this side of the force if you get very friendly with the terminal. It allows you to give commands that are followed, and is about the only way to get through installs at the very least. The Linux gurus at my work often use only the terminal, they don't even bother installing Xwindows, as they have no need for it. About all I use X for is graphical internet, and from my post count you can see I'm also quite new.
Best of luck, and have fun with your box!
Peace,
JimBass