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Well you need to tell people your distribution, as most have their own easy way (package managers) to install stuff.

Most basic stuff doesn't need drivers (like CD drives etc.), programs again are installed via the package manager or fro msource code which you compile (easier than it sounds.

To read cds you need to mount the device to a 'mount point', google around for it and type man mount in a terminal for some info.

To burn you can try a program called K3B - http://www.k3b.org/ i like it alot, may even already be installed on your system.

Your post is really a bit broad for exact info, ask more specific questions for specific help.

Installation of software ranges from "not very hard" to "extremely easy", depending on the software, and the distro you are using.

We need more information from you before we can help you.

regardless of witch distro you are using you can install most things from source, witch is essayer than it sounds. to read a cd you have to mount your cdrom (as root, "#mount /mnt/cdrom"), and as ethics said, k3b is probly what you want for burning cds.

Im using debian and i know about this apt thing, but there are these tar.gz, run, rpm that is driving me crazy, im trying to install a driver for my ati radeon 9800 pro graphic card, but i dont know how to run it, and then i dont know what this xorgfree86 bla is, i mean the diffrence and what i need.

Well debian uses .deb packages which can be gotten from APT, like mentioned above you can install anything from source. tar.gz is normally the source code you compile, this is good if it isn't packaged for your distro or you need certain options when compiling. .rpm is redhat package manager for fedora, mandriva, etc.

xorg and xfree86 are different x servers (that handles your WM/DE Etc. and the graphics.) so you will need the one for whatever Debian uses (xfree86 i think), search the forums/google for how to find which you have.

Now about your particular problem.... I have a radeon 9700 and to say ATI's Linux support is lacking is being too kind :P i've never gotten it to work (you only want the drivers for 3D acceleration right? you dont need them for normal use) there are instructions with the tar.gz (usually called README or INSTALL) that walk you through it.

for future reference (I mean not having to say which distro you use in every post specificaly) you can add it to your user profile as you'll no doubt have seen most of us have done