what directory(s) and what program (synaptic--?)in Linux(Mepis) would i use to install various softeware utilities? In windows these kind of utilities would default to Program Files.

Utilities like:
1-Partition 8
2-Kodak camera driver/utilities

thx again.......lenny

You use synaptic (gui) or apt-get (command line).

Generally, programs are installed into /usr/bin or /usr/sbin, it doesn't ask you.

thx, sounds like a plan.....

If you plan to install programs not using the package manager, I highly recommend you install them in either /usr/local (or /opt), or -- if your box isn't a multi-user machine or there's no system-wide need for the program -- somewhere in your home folder (perhaps /home/myusername/local, with symlinks in /home/myusername/bin).

The reasons for using one of these two is that it's generally being treated as `here the user/admin gets to screw around all they want and we (the `intergrated' distro-tools) do not ever modify that'.

I really recommend using your home folder whenever appropriate--even if only to avoid being root more than you have to.

hth --Jonas

thanks jonas, yea cause if i had to re-load linux there might be a problem with my utility? home may be better!

You're welcome. Good point you made--in some sense, your home folder is more `permanent' than the rest of your system.