for mandrake 9.0, kindly help me with detailed cook book type directions, on the two following items:

1- when i download a program from the internet, .tars or whatever, it comes in as a series of files. how exactly, step by step do i install the program and get an icon on my desktop to activate the program.

2- for my RWCD ROM
how exactly can i get to the recording process say of music from the internet, or some program which i may want to then open later using the technique of question 1 above

all help is greatly appreciated

# Guides to software and installation and uninstallation
LNAG - How do I install a program I downloaded from the Internet?
Rute Guide's software explanation
You might want to check out CheckInstall to manage source code installations/uninstallation

# CD burning info
Is it configured and what is the device? Command this to find out:
cdrecord -scanbus
Adding an IDE CD-Writer to Linux
CD Writing HOWTO
# Burn an ISO to disk
cdrecord -v speed=<burning speed> dev=<your device> /path/to/foo.iso
# Burn from disk to disk
cdrecord -v dev=<your device> speed=<burning speed> -isosize /dev/cdrom
# Generate an ISO from a directory.
mkisofs -Jr -o foo.iso /path/to/directory
mkisofs -vrTJUV "Label" -o foo.iso /path/to/directory
# Generate an ISO from a CD
dd if=/dev/cdrom of=foo.iso
Linux MP3 CD Burning mini-HOWTO
# Convert mp3 to wav with lame
for i in *.mp3; do lame --decode $i `basename $i .mp3`.wav; done
# Burn a CD from wav files
cdrecord -v -audio -pad speed=<burning speed> dev=<your device> /path/to/*.wav
# Erase a CDRW
cdrecord -v dev=<your device> speed=<burning speed> blank=fast
# Make multisession data CDs
mkisofs -L -l -J -R -A Disc-ID -P Publisher-ID -p Preparer-ID -V Volume-ID /lets.wav.mp3 | cdrecord -v -pad -data -multi fs=8m speed=32 dev=0,0,0 driveropts=burnproof -
# This would be for the second session, an image of the imported files
cdrecord -v -pad -data -multi speed=32 dev=0,0,0 driveropts=burnproof '/tmp/stupid_place.raw'

# Mandrake links
Mandrake home page
Mandrake Users website
Easy urpmi config for Mandrake
urpmi mini-HOWTO
Easy software management: Red Carpet
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
You didn't install the developmental packages? As root, command:
urpmi gcc
An Introduction to the Midnight Commander. You can install it by commanding:
urpmi mc
Midnight Commander home page