LinuxQuestions.org - Installing software (Thunderbird)

I have some basic questions regarding installing software, in this instance Thunderbird. I hope that you might be able to clear some of this up for me.

I went to mozilla.org and downloaded thunderbird-1.0.7.tar.gz. It downloaded to my home folder and I then did:

Code:

gunzip thunderbird-1.0.7.tar.gz

I then did:

Code:

tar xvf thunderbird-1.0.7.tar

Then I changed to the newly created directory 'thunderbird' and according to Mozilla's directions I was to run 'thunderbird'. When I typed thunderbird at the command line I got:

Code:

bash: thunderbird: command not found

So I went into my home folder via the GUI and just double clicked on the file 'thunderbird' and it seemed to install fine, I configured it, checked my mail, everything seemed fine.

I don't see a shortcut for it in my menu (using Gnome on Suse Linux 10). If I want to use Thunderbird I have to go into my home folder via the GUI and doubleclick on the file 'thunderbird'. It seems that the app has been installed in my home folder.

Obviously I did something wrong or am missing something. Where should Thunderbird (or any installed app) be installed? Is this something that the installation program itself knows or does it require more user input then I am giving it? Thanks.

Todd