installing programs in mandrake 9.0
 

I am a new linux, actually I have just installed mandrake linux 9.0, however when i downloaded a few programs I could not install them, or better, I do not know how to install them. I am a windows user who has decided to make the switch.

How do I install in linux and where can I find a site that explains how to linux from the very basics ?
:newbie:

have a look at the rute guide listed in my siganture, it's not specific to mandrake but should have all the basics (and a lot more besides) to get you going. in mandrake you should just be using the nmandrake control center, and before you get too confused, fo now only download a program file if it ends with .rpm, ignore and tar.gz r similar files for now.

read up on URPMI...its an awesome tool...

Once its set up with the right sources, it works like a dream. I've been having a lot of fun with it lately.