Hello friends,
I am struggling to install gcc et al in CentOS v 5.2
so I can get compiling some C programs.
I have used preinstalled linux systems (Red Hat, etc) in the past so
I am familiar with Linux commands, but am a raw newbie when it comes to configuring.
After finally getting the RPMs loaded, I used yum to install(?) the 'Development Tools' package. I end up with a executable /usr/bin/gcc;49245915 and don't know what to do with it.

Please let me know what I am missing here!

Thanks in advance!

Use gcc to compile your code? I'm confused about what your question really is. If it's about how to use gcc, surely you could have found a simple guide to using it, such as this one.

Please clarify whether you're having problems installing gcc or actually using it.

Sounds like you already installed gcc via yum. Like Nylex I'm not sure of your question.

But to use yum all you need is an internet connection and type:
yum install packagename

yum will go find the gcc package and install it for you so that it is ready to use. It's really that easy.

Sorry about the way I phrased that...
I have used gcc in the past so that's all fine.
It's the installation I am having a headache over.
As stated, I ended up with an executable gcc;49245915
When I try to rename it, it barfs on the semicolon.

I felt with a file name that strange, I must be missing a step.

However,...
In thinking over your response, I realized that prior to
the yum update, I had created a subdirectory called /usr/bin/gcc/
in my "fiddle about" stages.
The updater might have seen that and worked around it,
creating the rightful gcc executable but with an extension.

Long story short, deleted the bad directory,
removed & reupdated gcc(et al)
Works great, I can compile progs now, all is well.

Thanks for your kind help.

I'm not that familiar with RHEL/CentOS, and haven't used yum, but whenever I need to install a package on RHEL, I mount the dvd ISO, go to ./rheldvd/Server, then rpm -i <name of package>

EDIT: Hit post too late, and there isn't a delete button..