How the @^%# do you install non-RPM programs?
 

I'm new to Linux, just installed RH9.0 and I like it alot.

I'm now trying to install programs like Netscape and Acrobat reader
and am not having any luck.

I get the tar file, I extract it to a folder, I navigate to that folder but there is no 'configure' executable, and nothing to 'make'

What are the steps I need to take to install a non-RPM program?

Is there a README or INSTALL file? Those should explain how to install the packages you've downloaded. Sometimes its just a simple:

./configure
make
make install

Or sometimes a:

make
make install

Or you can sometimes there is an installer file:

./installer.sh

Or something along those lines.. Check the actual README or INSTALL files, they should explain all of this.

Are you sure you're trying to install programs, or simply add-ons which have to be dropped into the correct directory?

Isnt it:
./configure
make
su
root password
make install

I open the folder with the files in it and the only one that seems to have anything useful in it is this one..
netscape-installer

I've tried 'make netscape-installer'
and make with all other files and nothing happens

I've even typed in each name and hit enter and nothing happens


this is the only un-commented section of a file that looks like it has a gear on it fo an icon. - netscape-installer

LD_LIBRARY_PATH=.:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH

PATH=.:$PATH
export PATH

./netscape-installer-bin $@

did you make the installer script executable?

chmod 555 <file>

(or whichever permissions you want...)

There is a readme, that might help.

instructions on how to install files are on my command section of my guide
see link below

odd - i downloaded the same files - ended up under netscape-installer. Mine contains a detailed README which did the job.

I also recall there were instructions on the download page.

FYI - this means of installation is none of the above. I have only seen Nvidia with a similar install.

Yes, If You have tried ./configure in
folder where tar-file is extracted, and ./configure
gave some error-messages, are You shure You have
'make' and possibly 'gcc' installed to Your system?

Sometimes ./configure command must give in directory named
"source" for example some Samba-programs...(but best way is
search and find programs own README.)

I'm also beginner and these programs were my weak
things with tries with tar-files ( I mean with compile
and installing.)

With Netscape...have You tried next tip: Put 1st RH CD to drive
and boot with it. Is there in Your version(9.0) option named "install new software" or something
like that? From that way it could be easy install Netscape..
using "search" option...???
In SuSE (nowadays) it is very easy install Netscape (even to me) ..try it sometimes:)

Make and GCC are installed on my system.
When you type './configure' do you mean type 'configure' at the command prompt or './configure'?

Can someone give me an idiots guide to installing programs and the step by step break down? or a link?:study:

use the rute link in my siganture - bookmark it. please try and ensure you have serached sites like LQ.org and google before you ask, your question has been asked so so many tiems.

netscape-installer direcory does not include .configure
or any make-able file - it is a special procedure. No compiling.

The directory does not come from RH CD- it comes from Netscape.

'Special procedure'?

I've extracted it, now what kind of procedure is used to allow me to use the program?

Do I need to move it to some other folder?

my directory has 7 files and includes a README - does yours?

if not, post the files in the directory.

Try this way: 1.open terminal in that directory (folder) where
tar-file is extracted.
2. type su
3. type (Your root password)
4. type ./configure
5. go on with previous things....[make] and
[make instal]

!!! This was only universal "guide". Programs own README is always the one and only right way to do compiling and installing.