installing programs basics
 

O.K I'm very new so this is clearly a newbie question. How do I install programs? I have downloaded Open Office 2.0 as a linux application but don't know how to install it. Does Linux have a file similar to a exe file or what? Right now the file is a install.tar.gz and when I click on it, I just get a list of more files. Please help

search here how to install programs/apps. This has been asked a lot so it has answered a lot as well. :) also look in the how tos here on this site or use google

yo really need to looking through somethign like our wiki here to get you started on basics like this. that'll show you how to install tarballs no problem.

Also, the easiest way to install programs is with your distibution's package manager. It's different for different distros, so try googling "install packages <distroname here>".

first, open a terminal---things are much easier there.

If you have a tar.gz file, do this:

gunzip <filename>
tar -xvf <filename>

this give you a folder with all the install junk in it---with v.2, I think it is .rpm files
you'll also find a folder with files relating to (I think) desktop integration--pick the appropriate one and get it in with all the other .rpm files

Now, are you on a RPM system? If so:

rpm -i *.rpm
Done!!

If not, then Debian-based?
alien -d -i *.rpm (check man alien to be sure---this is supposed to convert to .deb format and install)

If you get stuck, post appropriate messages, directory contents, etc.

i did the rpm thing thanks for the advice pixellany

i installed frostwire, now how do i access the program....like where does it put the program files

n00b sorry

thanks a lot guys. I'm slowly catching on. It's for us :newbie: 's to get unbrainwashed from the Microsoft way of thinking, but there is hope for us.