Hey, I'm new to linux.
I think my learning of linux could happen alot faster if I could get my browsers to work... any of them.... I need the plug-ins for chat applets so I can go into chats such as yahoo chat.
if anyone could help that would be great!

Hi flimzzy,

Welcome to linux! I'm not sure if I can help you, but it would be alot more useful if you could include just a bit more info. Are the chat programs Java? Flash?

Mozdev has a fantastic resource that I'm sure would help you. It's the Plugindoc page.

If they are Java based, you might find some useful information in this thead.

Also useful would be which versions of these programs you're running, and which distro and version you're using.

When in doubt, try first searching these forums, then try Google - linux.

Good luck!

ok sorry about that, but I really know nothing about linux, I'm running Mandrake 9.0 and I'm having a hell of a time...I can't figure out how tro install things, like you can't just click on them to open the installation, I dono... I guess I will figure it out with time

Chat applets are normally java, I know for sure Yahoo is. Java isn't that easy for a total n00b to install I guess, perhaps someone has made .rpms for mandy 9?

cg

actually I've just had a thought, am pretty sure when I last used firebird/mozilla when I came across a page which had an applet they gave me the option to install it & it all worked pretty well i.e. I did nothing mozilla went and downloaded everything and installed the plugin

cg

No need to apologize! We're here because we want to be here.

OK, so now we have 2 questions (1) your original re: plugins; (2) How to install software. I hope my link to plugindoc helped with (1), so I'll focus on (2).

Since you are using Mandrake (my fav btw ) installing software couldn't be easier. The first thing to do is determine what software you want to install. Usually ask for advice or do searches. For example: I want a replacement for MS Office. No problem, if you look at this page it offers great suggestions. OK, so I'm going to install Open Office because most people think really highly of it.

For any programs, (in this case open office) go to your startbar --> configuration --> packaging --> install software. It'll ask you for your root password, and then you'll see a box that allows you to search for software to install. Just type "openoffice" or whatever you're looking for.

Mandrake looks for that program for you, and installs it automagically. It'll even download and install software for you *that you don't even have yet*. Way cool! To do that you need to go through a process of setting up your sources (the sources of where you'll download updates and programs from). I recommend taking a look at easy Urpmi for that. It'll help you do it automatically.

Stick with it! Don't be intimidated to search around for answers to questions and rely on these forums (consider asked Mandrake specific questions in the Mandrake forum though). I often say to people "welcome to linux, your learning curve can be as steep or as gentle as you want now".

Good luck!

ok thanx, I will read on about it.
the install program you just told me about, do I put in the path names, or directory names, because when I typed in a program I had on the computer called "eb" or "every buddy" it didn't come up with anything. I tried to type in other things aswell but they didn't work eithier....

"the install program you just told me about, do I put in the path names, or directory names, because when I typed in a program I had on the computer called "eb" or "every buddy" it didn't come up with anything. I tried to type in other things aswell but they didn't work eithier...."

Do you put in directory or path names... no. If you already "every buddy" installed, then it wouldn't show up in the list of programs available to install (because you already had it). Try a program you don't already have installed.

One final note: this system is for RPM management, so software you compiled from source (if any) will not be available for install, uninstall or upgrade via this method.

ok, I am having alot of troubles here.... I understand everything your telling me but it doesn't seem to be working.... the eb is not installed, it is in my documents... and its a folder, when I search through the folder I find and install file.... but it will not open .... I tried to open with the install program but it didn't do n e thing

sorry if I am being a pain in the ass, but can you tell me a file that is like msn for windows, and I will download it and try it?

also when I search like you said with that install program.... it doesn't find n e thing...

You can only install RPM files. So the file name will look something like file.rpm

I'm not familiar with MSN for windows. Is it a chat program? If so, follow my link I sent you earlier regarding linux equivalents of windows programs. It'll offer you good suggestions. Before you do though, check out your own computer. My installation of Mandrake has 6 (yup, SIX) different chat programs installed by default. Most people I know like "Gaim", but truthfully I don't use chat software, and I installed them only so I could "play around".

ok thanx alot, its nice to get some help when its needed, also thanx for being nice about, I've asked others for help and my millons of questions piss them off, I've been searchiing around in google and what I know I have got from there, or people like you.... one more question, a simple one at that, what do you use to download music,software,videos and such?

My pleasure. In a perfect world what will happen is that as your knowledge grows, you'll be able to visit these forums and answer questions as well. The answer to your question is a resounding "XMule", which is a linux version of the Windows peer-to-peer sharing program Emule. You can get it by following the instructions above (configuration, packaging, install... search for xmule).

If you need help with xmule, poke around online for emule quickstarts or other resources.

Welcome to linux!

hey, well here I am stuck again.... hope is almost lost... I just downloaded Emule, the program you recommended me to.... I download the install.exe and tried to open it, I always get asked what to open it with.... I am a windows dummy, who came from "click and work by it self system".... so I do not know what it is I am supose to "open with".
I know I have asked for alot, but there is no one else to turn to then you guys.... help me out man..

OK, now you're not even trying...

Emule is a WINDOWS program. The program I recommended was Xmule. I also recommended HOW to get it. I suggest you use configuration, packaging, install...

With Mandrake linux, when you don't really know what you're doing, you're best off using RPM. RPM (stands for Redhat Package Management) is a full solution for you. That said, in windows you'd download an .exe file and double click it to install it. In Linux, you have two options that do the same thing.

1) Use the configuration, packaging, install... route (I recommend this for you);
2) Download the RPM file, and then right-click on it and select "Install Software".

If you are looking for RPMs to download, I suggest you try rpmfind.net.

Goodl luck.