I'm REALLY new to this Linux stuff. And, as a caveat, I have Red Hat 7.3 loaded on my system (a dual processor Xeon system). I'm trying to get a few applications up and running so I can actually be DOING something while I learn more on how to set my system in motion. And my Linux system is not configured for nor connected to the internet just now, as I am moving in two weeks and I didn't want to go through the whole config. process twice.
I've read the threads about unzipping tar files, and I copied some tar files onto cd and managed to copy them to my Linux box. Then I tried unzipping them. I did manage to unzip a couple, such as WinRAR for Linux, and I followed their instructions about where to cp the outcome to, but I can't for the life of me get the app. to run. I sort of need that so I can unzip the real files I want from SoftImage, which come in a bz2 zip format. Also, my RPM (Gnorpm) doesn't seem to be working to actually load anything, and the one program it did act like it installed (Wine) doesn't do anything.
Is there a good, basic book/website of instruction for installing and running applications? I sort of use the Gnome desktop, but I did all the unzip, copy stuff via command line, but I still don't know how to run files. I kind of thought it would be like type in the executable file name at the prompt, much like the Wicked Stepbrother's system. That didn't seem to work, no matter what directory I was standing in.
Also, some of the files were unzipped to /usr/local/[folder] (such as /bin), and I'd kind of like to park them on my desktop for execution.
I know all of this is pretty basic stuff, and I don't really expect you all to hold my hand, although if you wanted to give me some direct instruction, I'd surely try it. What I had in mind was maybe someone that can point me to a primer on installing and managing apps without getting to deep into theory just yet. I've got a copy of Linux for dummies which pretty much assumes that RPM works exactly right and you aren't trying to unzip anything, and I have the Linux Complete Reference, but it's a little to general in this particular area. I really would like to get up and running with a couple apps, then I can learn Linux in a more leisurely fashion.
And, yes, I know I should upgrade to Red Hat 9.0, but at the moment there are a couple good reasons why I haven't/don't. In a few months perhaps, but now isn't the time.
Thank you for your understanding, patience and support of a 50 y.o. newbie to Linux that just came back into the computer fold after a 18 year hiatus from programming and systems design. I can learn this stuff, but it takes time. I'm hoping y'all can help me jumpstart.
Again, Thanx.
Cheers.
Feel free to direct email if you wish, to: scott@3dcolorgraphics.com

Hi,

Well in LINUX applications come in different forms. Some come in binary form some in source code and some in RPM ... .

Some thing which is very important is the location that you install the app.

suppose you are in "/home/steve/myapps" and you install the app here then you should be getting (along with other files) a .exe file suppose (myapp.exe).

Now if you type "$ myapp.exe" it may fail to work. Why?

Because when you type in a command shell goes through the directories mentioned in the PATH variable (echo $PATH) to find the location of the command. Now if your current directory(.) is not listed there then you should execute the command like this:

$ ./myapp.exe

or you have to edit your PATH variable.

This can be one of the reasons.

To gain lots of useful information about this matter and other matters I recommend that you download the LINUX HOWTOs and use them. You can find this HOWTO's in different formats on (http://www.linuxdoc.org) in different languages.

Hope it would be useful.

reading on the forum for many hours, poking around and finding the right threads, and I now understand that there are two ways to get the files: either as archived data files such as tar.gz "tarballs" that when unzipped need to be recompiled, and the pre-compiled rpms. So far so good. What I need to do next is be sure I'm executing properly. Is there a command equivalent to "setpath" so that I can just "stand around" anywhere in my user filespace and execute files anywhere else?
And why didn't Gnorpm work? Well, today I shall find answers to such questions. I've found ALOT of Linux info. The problem is sorting through it to get to what I need. And I was silly enough to think that I could just install Linux, cram a couple of applications in the box, and off I went....silly rabbit!
Question, though, to anyone that spots this:
If I were to download the Red Hat 9.0 and wanted to install it, could I unzip it first on my computer that is fully functioning, then just load the cd's? How would the upgrade take place? Or should I start again from squ. one? And if so, is the 9.0 that is downloaded from RH self-installing, just as 7.3 was and all I need to do is boot with disk one in the drive?
Silly questions, I know. Just thought I'd ask.
Thanks for your help. I shall persevere.
Scott