Installing
 

I'm a total newbie and having managed to install Mandiva free (the more complicated one lol) I can't seem to be able to install any of the programs I use on other OS's. I've tried with IMVU and Utorrent and any help seems to be in French or a language that is complexly unintelligible. Wow. Just realised I've spent the best part of an hour trying to do this! Please help. I'm not stupid but its day one OK?
Thanks - Niall

After a Mandriva install you will need to set up the online repos. Once that is done you install software through the gui tool found in MCC ( Mandriva Control Center ) or command line using the 'urpmi' command. I would suggest the gui tool if you have little or no experience.

The repos, go here -->http://mandrivausers.org/easyurpmi/ It is an easy tool to use. This will allow you to pick the repos closest to your area, where ever you are.

Not sure why you picked the 'free' version, you will be missing some things most people want. Free implies there is no proprietary code, such as Lame, the mp3 encoder. There are more things you will trip over, that is just one. You can still install the proprietary code, you will have to do it yourself though.

What programs did you want to add?

Thanks for the prompt reply. I've been to the place you suggest for the repos, but (a) have no idea what repo means and (b) even less idea which ones to pick as I cannot overstate my ignorance. I live in Dublin Ireland btw...
The version is the 2010 and it looks great and runs nicely. I got a free one as I'm just seeing how it goes, but I think I'm gonna stick. I'm dual booting with Windows7 from where this mail is being sent.

Propriety code? What would that do and where would I get it?

I was trying to install Utorrent but the default torrent app seems fine. I couldnt help but think that its a bit rich criticising Microsoft given the difficulty of adding software from outside the tent - but that moment passed!
IMVU was next. Its a chat app that I like and as I don't do games it would be interesting to see how it runs on Mandriva.

Right, now I'm off to translate Finnegans Wake into Japanese for a little light relief :))) ...thanks again for your help.

*I've just revisited the download page and see that this version is for 'advanced' users. I installed it having failed with Ubuntu and Ultimate Edition.

I believe Utorrent has a Linux version, make sure your getting the right version. Otherwise you can find most apps in the distro's repositories.

Repos, short for repositories. These are servers with all the software packages for Mandriva. I would suggest you use the packages from Mandriva, the installer will look after all pre-req's when you choose a package to install. The binaries are compiled for Mandriva, and are know to work. Software for linux is different than windows. Packages are built for a specific distro.

Add "Official Medias" and "PLF Medias". What will happen is some small files will download to your system. They list the packages that are on those repos. When you go into MCC and Install/remove software, you will get listings of all packages available. I would guess there are about 10,000 packages on those repos. Tons of software. Oh, did I mention free.

Proprietary code has some licensing associated with it. If you want some interesting reading, look into the ownership of .mp3 decoders. That code is owned, and in some areas of the world, may be a violation of patents. In other words not 'free' to use without a lenience for the software.

It's all in the repos. Once you find out what you need, you can install it. Just keep in mind there are legal issues. Will anyone ever come after you? Not very likely.

Thanks again.
It getting a lot clearer. I don't go near mp3s, being a lossless man, so no worriers there. Interesting though.