I searched the forum and tried google but I can't find a defenitive answer on a, must be, simple question.

I use Mandrake 9.1 and am learning to install software by compiling it myself. All goes quite well but I'm wondering if I'm doing anything wrong.

For example: If I use an Mandrake rpm (say gaim) it installs the software in /usr/bin and not in /usr/local/bin which is the standard location for software (isn't is?) Same goes for Mozilla. I used an rpm to update the software and nothing went to /use/local in fact the dir only contains empty folders. I can only find Mozilla files in /bin and usr/bin. So what to do if I want to install software? uninstall the old stuff and install in /usr/local/bin or install the way Mandrake does? (which means that I have to alter every install location in ./configure before installing, right?)

If I do uninstall Mozilla and install the new 1.5 version in /usr/local/bin as the installer advises does a program like galeon still work (it depence on Mozilla I believe)?

I'd really like to know why Mandrake doesn't use te local folder. Isn't there a standard on linux?

Regards

Distros (all, not only Mandrake) install their perograms (RPMs, DEBs and so on) in / and /usr. /usr/local is for programs compiled from source.

You can have 2 versions of mozilla in the same system...just remember to write good paths in for icons/menu entries.

Ah, that explains! Thanx