Ok folks, this is my first post.

I really want to use Linux but I really can't get over the fact why its so difficult to install software. Gee no wonder microsoft wins.

So I went to Linspire (yeah I know what you are all thinking but gimme a break, at least im trying)

Anywho, How in the world do I install software? How do I know what I need? How do I know what command lines to use? Why can't I just click on the file and have it install?

This all starts with my trying to get XMULE working.

I downloaded what I THINK is the package for Linspire. I also can get the other packages if need be.

STEP BY STEP, what do I need, where do I get it and what do I do to get it working.

IM LOST here. THis is my 4th attempt at linux and so far im ready to go back to windows. Real me in and help me lol :-)

thanks peeps.

Jon

Try a completely free distro like Mandriva rather than Linspire -- they would be happier pointing you to their so-called Click-and-Run that will cost you. You'll see how much MORE easy it is to install apps than Windows when you use urpm on Mandriva. If you're in need of a Mandriva DVD Download Edition and you live in the states, I'll be happy to provide one for you rather inexpensively.

Is this also something relatively easy to download.

I do have Cable so it wouldn't be a burden on me :-)

I also want to thank you for the quick response.

Is this software an easy install. I remember installing mandrake and having to setup partitions and such, what a pain.

Linux is easy to install and maintain. However, windows takes the burden of making you think. It controls your machine the way they think best suites you. Give Linux few months, and you will get used to it.

Typing 'apt-get install xmule' sucks? Seems a lot easier than Windows to me.

Nothing in the world easier than

emerge <app-name>

All the benefits of the terrific package managers out there plus the software is custom compiled for your specific environment. Although if you don't have any desire to do any reading / learning, have someone install Gentoo for you.

Any commercially available Gentoo-pre-installed systems available? hmmm....

Sure, as long as you don't mind waiting 20 minutes for the thing to download and compile for no good reason.

I just started using Linux yesterday, Mandrake 10.1 to be exact, and I'm in love. My Windows hdd is set as slave, but I'm Linux all the way. It's a little odd I'll admit having to combine using a new, unfamiliar CLI with the GUI when installing apps, but it makes me feel like I'm in more control. I physically do what needs to be done instead of clicking a button that says install and letting the system do it all automatically. You can get Wine and install it and it will let you run .exe files and many of your old Windows files. I plan on keeping Linux for a long, long time.

Try Ubuntu or Mepis.
Synaptic Package Manager is a very easy way to install software.

Mandrake has an option to 'automatically partition' in the installer. From all reports I've heard it works fine.

As for installing extra software once you've installed Mandrake its very easy - just click the menu, goto System->Confiuration->Configure Your Computer and select the 'Software' tab. Then type in the name of the program you want to install.

Remember that the download edition comes with a relatively small amount of software so head over to http://easyurpmi.zarb.org and setup some more repositories so you can get more stuff.

This is the second post I have read here on LQ recently of someone saying how hard it is to install Linux software. I dont get it. What is so hard about it? Even installing from source is simple.

./configure && make && make install
and then edit any config files than need to be configured.

There isnt anything difficult about that!

I think the thing is, you are used to Windows, and just havent gotten use to the way Linux installs software. However, I am sure that once you have spent some time using Linux, you will come to appreciate software installation on Linux much more than Windows. At least I do.

Well I certainly appreciate all the feedback ive gotten as im sure this question has been posted numerous times. YOu all have given me some things to think about. My cousin downloaded the full Mandrake, I will give that a shot as you say its better then linspire.

Again, thank you for the assistance.

have a fine day/night

try Ubuntu if you want an easy distro to work with, then move to Debian after you get used to that...

just give it some time...it makes computing, installing, and everyday crap with your machine a learning experience...and you'll appreciate it in the long run...

Yeh definetely try ubuntu..its really good, plus there is only one install cd, which was nice...Installing aps is easy using apt-get or the graphical version - Synaptic, it resolves all the dependencies and bascailly sorts everything out for you.

Other than the fact that you have to have a ton of support libraries already install otherwise you get compiler or linker errors that don't mean much to normal people. IMO no one should be compiling software on their desktop, it's a waste of time and needlessly complicates things.