Very new to Linux. (Of course). Thought I would not have to ask questions, but.........!
Got internet figured out. (finally got on) READING every night! Trying to download some things. I think I get them downloaded & try to follow installation instructions. But I am then lost. What do you think? Read more? Installed Linux Red Hat 9 with Windows XP by my lonesome. No HELP whatsoever. Had a guy tell me did well for a dummy. Can get back with specs if that is required. I have only been into computers about 4 mos. If someone could point me in the right direction, would appreciate. The Fat Rat!

what type of files are you downloading? are they *.tar, *.gz,*.rpm, *.bz2.....etc. it seems your problem is installing software that you have downloaded (i'm guessing) if your downloading *.rpm files there is the command

rpm -i (you're file name.rpm)

other than that i'd have to direct you to a few links that have helped me.

http://www.google.com/linux
http://www.linux.org/
http://linux.ctyme.com/
http://sourceforge.net/
http://www.onlamp.com/linux/cmd/
(i found this thru a forum search here at linux general)
http://www.linuxquestions.org/
(and of course you already found this forum so you're on you're way.)

good luck.

sorry to double post, but, to run the rpm command you may need to be logged in as or be in root mode. i'm not sure on this 1 just don't wan't to give any bogus info, and, trying to think ahead of probs w/ the info provided.
good luck.

fatrat - I think that if you were a little more specific about what it is that you're trying to download, more people would be able to assist you. If all you say is that you're "downloading some things" but then you "get lost", that doesn't give the LQ community much to go on. Can you provide more details, such as what software you are trying to download, what steps you take, what error message you receive, etc?? -- J.W.