Where do I put stuff?

ShakyJake · 06-22-2004, 05:50 PM

Been using Linux (Slackware 9.1) for a few weeks now. Something I haven't quite understood is what's considered the "standard" directories to place programs and user data?

For example, in Windows programs are typically installed in the "Program Files" directory. Documents are slapped into My Documents, etc. What are the equivalent directories in Linux? I've noticed most programs default to /home or /usr/local, but I'd like to know what is typically considered the "standard" place to install/keep things.

Thanks.

Corran · 06-22-2004, 06:22 PM

For user specific stuff it is often put into /home/<user> for example your KDE settings are probably stored in /home/<user>/.kde . You'll find a lot of directories in there with /. beginings. However programs dont often put the executables in there they, as you found out usually go in /usr/local and its sub-directories.

These might help:
http://www.pcquest.com/content/linux.../102031504.asp
http://www.geocities.com/lunatech300...l/howto_4.html
http://www.vbportal.com/modules.php?...ticle&artid=17

A simple googling pulled these up so there might be better friendly documentation somewhere.

Pcghost · 06-22-2004, 06:23 PM

/home/<user> is the Linux equivalent of My Documents, and /usr/local/ is kind of like a Program Files directory. Generally software you add goes there, but you can install things in other locations. Some like to install Mozilla in their /home directory as well as other user specific apps, but it isn't necessary with the permissions system in Linux.

ilikejam · 06-22-2004, 06:23 PM

Hi.

Have a look here:
http://www.pathname.com/fhs/pub/fhs-2.3.html

Not every distro uses these directories (e.g. there is no /opt in RedHat), and different people prefer different methods, but that page is supposed to be the standard.

Dave