how to install a software from the .tar.gz file format ?f
 

hello i am a new user of Linux. i downloaded xmms installer from the net.but it is in tar.gz format and i don't know how to install the software from that format. plz help me out !

Welcome to LQ :D If the software is in a tar.gz you will need to expand it. Do this:
Inside the new folder you will see an INSTALL file and a README file. They will tell you what you need to do next.

You haven't said which distro of Linux you are using. There is a very good chance that your package manager will have XMMS in there and that will make the installation even easier.

Rather than compile stuff your self, use the package manager that comes with your system. Makes upgrade, uninstall etc easy.
If *buntu/debian -- apt-get install {Software_Name}
If Redhat/Mandriva/Fedora -- yum install {Software_Name}

Assuming you are using *buntu -- you can search for package with apt-cache search {description of functionality}

xavierp,

what did mean by distro. if u r meaning the version/type of the Linux, then i am using the redhat Linux enterprise 5. i didn't understand the solution u gave. where do i have to write that code? is it the terminal or i have to create a script. i am a new user of Linux. i just installed it. so if u clarify the whole process it will be better for me. by the way thank u for your suggestion.

kdrlx,

i have tried the yum command in the terminal. but it didn't work.

All code needs to be entered in a terminal. If you have RH5, you should use yum. As in (in a terminal and as root) enter:

Try ,to figure out problem on yourself, for this