LinuxQuestions.org

LinuxQuestions.org (/questions/)
-   Linux - Newbie (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/)
-   -   Newbie installing (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/newbie-installing-102739/)

mike35 10-11-2003 06:16 AM

Newbie installing
 
Hello boards first time here.I installed mandrake linux 9.1.I was told it was the easiest for a newbie.Now I made a new directory and called it download and that is where I will save all my downloads to.Now I am a cross over from windows so please bear with me.Now in windows you downloaded programs and basically double clicked and the install began.In linux I see there are rpm file extensions now do these basically work the same way.Also with rpm files could someone please give me the steps or what I need to do to install the program once I have it downloaded.I don't want to end up with programs I can't get installed.Yes I know its not windows but once installed is it like windows where I click the big K and basically go through the programs and click it to run it.With all the command lines are they done from the Gnome teminal or one of the other terminals I see listed.I ask because I see under tools on the header of my home directory Run Command.Again want to be sure doing this right so not chasing myself in circles because not doing what I need to do where I need to do it.Sorry so long but didn't know anything about windows the first time I used it but hope to know linux as well as I know windows.Thank You

Mara 10-11-2003 06:39 AM

In Mandrake, just use Konqueror to browse to the directory you've got the RPMs in and double click on a file to install it. You'll be asked for root password to install. Note that sometimes a program may not install telling you about missing dependencies. Write the list of missing dependencies down. The dependencies are other RPM files the program needs to be installed. When you're downloading packages yourself, you need to download them one by one. When you're downloading a package from its project site, there's usually written somewhere in the docs which packages are needed by this one (often there are also links for them).

Second mathod (easier) to handle dependencies is to use 'urpmi'. It works only with Mandrake packages (inluded in the distro), but helps in many cases (for example when the packages you need to install another one are in the distro). The usage of 'uprmi' is easy when it's configured, just run from a terminal:
urpmi package
(you need to be root to do this, when you're logged in as your normal user, use the following sequence
su
(enter root password when it asks you)
urpmi package)

Example for urpmi usage:
urpmi gimp
(installs GIMP)

Urpmi can download packages (with dependencies) for you, but you need to tell it where to download from. The utility to configure urpmi sources is in Configuration -> Packages. It's name is something like 'Software source manager' (don't use English version, meaning should be similar).

pablob 10-11-2003 06:40 AM

well, if you installed 'urpmi' (comes with MDK9.1), any double click on a .rpm file should launch an assistant to install the package.

It is usual, however that downloaded programs don't create accesses via the K-menu, and you need to find the route to them for executing.

On the command line, there are three usefull rpm commands:
# rpm -i ./package.i586.rpm (installs a package found in the actual directory- note the "./" for informing 'rpm' of the path)

# rpm -e package (erases a rpm package - note the lack of the extensions 'i586.rpm')

# rpm -qa |grep piece_of_name_of_the_package_which_I_can't_remember_it's_name
(shows you installed packages, and filters the results looking for the name you passed)

For -i and -e you need to be root

motub 10-11-2003 07:19 AM

Umm, hello, this is Mandrake....!

To install new software:

1. Go to Easy URPMI and follow the instructions to add external sources to your Software Sources Manager.

2. Mandrake Control Center=>Software Management=>Install Software.

3. Change the filter from "Mandrake Choices" to "All software by..." (group, alphabetical, whatever you like).

4. Select desired software and hit the Install button. You will get warnings because there is no public GPG key on your keyring; if you are installing from legitimate repositories, there's no harm in just saying "Yes to All" and installing anyway. You can fix the kering problem later.

It continually amazes me how much trouble Mandrake goes to to make this easy, and how many people persist in doing things the hard way.

pablob 10-12-2003 06:53 AM

yes, you're right, but when you are done to command line, even moving mouse seems slow...

Thanks anyway, I also used your info, and maybe forget about rpm -i .....

motub 10-12-2003 07:38 AM

I understand about the command-line, but my issue with using it to install programs under Mandrake is that doing so:

1. encourages you to seek out RPMs yourself as if Mandrake doesn't have repositories with thousands of programs;

2. increases the risk of dependency hell which using urpmi from the GUI shields you from.

I don't find it to be faster to use the command line to install programs if I have had to find and download the RPMs myself, then get a dependency message from rpm -i, then have to find and download the dependencies via rpmfind.net, then have to type 'rpm i <file 1> <file 2> <file 3> <continue_until_furious>'. By using the GUI I can immediately see what dependencies are needed, if they are going to be available, and urpmi handles downloading the lot for me.

I suspect this is a problem that Mandrake is still looking for a functional solution to. I suspect this because, even though it seems clear that mdk wants users to use the MCC tool to install software, I find myself explaining how to add external sources and the use of URPMI to waaaay more new users than I should have to, if it was as well-designed and obvious in use as so many other Mandrake tools. This implies that Mandrake is not as successful in 'steering' the new user towards the use of the best tool for the job, in the way that they so successfully steer new users away from logging in as root, for example.

Glad you got it worked out, though.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:16 PM.