how to run programs once there downloaded
 

HI, I'm new to Linux and am having trouble knowing how to get a program to run once I download it, for example, I need Java for banking purposes and so I downloaded it but then from there i'm stuck as apparently it doesn't run automaticly,
any help is appreciated, thanks

Use the package manager.Linux is NOT Windows http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

InstallingSoftware - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/InstallingSoftware

Switching to Ubuntu from Windows - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Sw...tu/FromWindows

Welcome to LQ.

Besides reading the links from @ craigevil :
( The following may be included somewhere in the "InstallingSoftware" link.)

We do not download software for Linux. At least not the most basic
30,000 packages / software, which are already included.
Java : 1) Find 'Software Sources' in your "Menu".
And tick 'Ubuntu Partner'
2) Then you can choose 'sun-java6-jre' in "Ubuntu Software Center"
( 'Synaptic' ) : Also in the "Menu". And install java automatically.

Good luck. .. .. :)

if ur on internet connection then u can use apt-get, or software manager to install it hassle free, if not then also no problem download latest version of jdk(java developement kit) in jdk.xxx.bin format and paste the file in /opt directory.
then open the terminal
$ cd /opt
$ su
$ password: enter root password
$ chmod +x jdk.xxx (xxx -version no of jdk)
$ ./jdk.xxx.bin
follow the instructions
after that
$ gedit /etc/profile
add following lines at end of file and save it
export JAVA_HOME=/opt/jdk.xxx/
export PATH="$JAVA_HOME/bin:$PATH"

reboot the computer and java is on. test it with javac or appletviewer , it will work not only on ubuntu but every linux distribution. and from developers point of view it used to supply apache derby (fully functional database engine with ij client).

thanks, I¨ll give it a try

still kicking
 

sorry I'm so thick headed but where do I find menu, I find main menu, and also where do I go to find installed or downloaded files, thanks again

SoftwareCenterFAQ - Community Ubuntu Documentation
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SoftwareCenterFAQ

on how to set software sources, see this: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/sources
as said, just "tick" the "patner" item in "Other Software" tab)

... then, as said, you can use https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SoftwareCenterFAQ or https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto to install Java RE and browser plug in

... this explains all better: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Java