Mandrake 8.2 and compiler tools
 

I'm trying to run "make", "gcc" and other tools on my linux box and they don't seem to be there. Are they on the CD's?? I couldn't find them. Also, is there a good step-by-step guide somewhere for newbies on how to install these compiler tools?

What mdk 8.2 are you using? because my standard
edition box is missing some crucial things. :(
Amongst them the gcc-cpp-2.96-0.76 .mdk rpm
that is needed to run gcc.
On cd 1 there are make and gcc rpm's. I got the
missing rpm's from a dvd that came with a magazine
maybe you can get yours at www.rpmfind.net
are you sure all of the mentioned rpm are not installed?
check it; rpm -qa |grep -i nameofonstalledrpm

Yep, you can get whatever you need from rpmfind. But all the development tools are in the Development Group in the package install process.

there are a couple of ways to get them. You can use Software Manager in KDE, or rpmdrake, to install. Or you can do an Update install -- just skip over everything else up to the Package Install step and click on the Development Tools Group. Don't unclick anything else, however.