I have searched the net for some rpms to try for Linux...but no matter what I download (For example Doom) it will not install.

When I click on the file to run the rpm installed it starts up goes about 3/4 through and then just exits....this happens on all my downloaded RPMs outside of the auto rpm install from the Redhat Network.

I tried running rpm from the command line for the files and it failed due to dependancies. At least now I know why it was exiting...you'd think it would at lest give you this eror in the GUI.

So my questions are...

1) How do you find out what depenancies are needed, and how to install them?
2) Do I have to learn how to compile these rpms for Redhats distribution with rpmbuild or make install or something? I know very little about either of these...

HI, I'm a total RH n00b too. The program that helped me the most is apt-get. You should try and install apt-get

http://www.osnews.com/story.php?news_id=1890&page=4


I hope you can at least install apt!!

EDIT: Forgot to mention. The latest version of apt-get which is on the page http://apt.freshrpms.net/ had a bug when I used the command apt-get upgrade. If you have the same problem (a huge list of dependencies comes up) Then uninstall THAT version of apt-get and locate a different version, like perhaps 4.0 instead of 4.1 etc. I believe I'm using 4.0 at home with no problems. Of course, when I run apt-get upgrade with 4.0 it wants to install 4.1 apt (because it knows 4.1 is newer) at that point I decline to upgrade to 4.1.

Use the GUI command rpmist to install the rpms easily.

Use the command line. To install and rpm:
Type: rpm -ivh filename.rpm
In some cases you will need to be root though:
Type: su
(Enter root password)
Type: rpm -ivh filename.rpm

You should try installing easier things like Flash or Java2 <http://members.shaw.ca/trollking/ >.

Note: A trick when you are using the command line (such as Gnome terminal).
Type only part of the path and press the 'tab' key. The 'tab' key autocompletes the filename. Try it by opening the terminal window:
Type: pwd
(This gives you the present working directory)
(For example /home/user/ )
Type: ls /ho(tab)
(The autocomplete will fill in /home/)
Type: ls /home/us(tab)
(The autocomplete will fill in ls /home/user/)
Note: /home/user/ will likely not be the same on your system, it's just an example.

I would put the terminal icon on your panel. Right click the panel ->add to panel -> find the terminal on the menu. Remove unnecessary icons, position them around. If you want to use Linux (which you are wise to do) than you need to use the terminal window a great deal. It is a powerful tool. The GUI is there to use, but in many cases it is just there for support. Write down all of the important commands that you learn in Linux on some notebook or flashcards for reference.