Background: I am running Redhat 9.0 and attempting to install Tomcat 4.1.27 (recently released "stable" version).

My history is working on Linux servers which are already in production, and my personal server has always just used Apache as its web server. Now, I would like to put some of my new J2EE programs on my web server; but of course Apache isn't capable.

A few questions (I'm sorry if they sound stupid):

(1) Can I install Tomcat and JUST use Tomcat as my web server, or do I need to use the Apache/Tomcat Connector? I have configured the connector between IIS (yuck) and Tomcat, but never the Apache/Tomcat connector.

(2) On jakarta's site, there are many available files. It doesn't indicate which are for Linux, and which are for Windows. How can I tell from the binary name which is for/compatible with my system?

(3) Once I get the correct rpm (or tar.gz) file, I will unpack it... where? Does it matter? Can I put it, for example, in:
/var/jakarta-tomcat-4.1.27/
?Then do I have to configure Linux to open port 8080, or will the Tomcat installtion do that for me?

Thanks in advance for your help,

I never have used it, but here are some links that may be of help.

# Guides to software management
LNAG - How do I install a program I downloaded from the Internet?
Rute Guide's software explanation
You might want to check out CheckInstall to manage source code installations/uninstallation

# Red Hat links
Red Hat Linux Manuals
Get your mp3 support here
Maximum RPM
rpmfind
Easier software management: apt4rpm - Red Carpet
Red Hat 8.0 Tips & Tricks

# Red Hat 7.3 down configuration commands
setup leads to several configuration tools

# Red Hat 7.3 up configuration commands
Configure soundcard:
redhat-config-soundcard
Configure X server:
redhat-config-xfree86
Configure network:
redhat-config-network
Manage software:
redhat-config-packages
Red Hat 9.0 Package Management Tool

# Handling NTFS
New Technology FileSystem (NTFS) HOWTOs
Linux NTFS project

Thank you for your response, but I already understand installing and configuring RPMs in general. I have successfully installed php, mySQL, and nuke before. But in those cases, the sites were specific to Linux, and it was made clear what file I should download and how I should configure. Anyone with any more specific advice?