Installing more software

jnsg · 09-09-2005, 10:57 PM

I recently started using Slackware as my first distro, and have started getting all my wanted software downloaded. My question is, when I install firefox for example, it lets me choose where to install it. Where should I install it? It defaults to my home directory, which I don't want since it will be for any user. I'm just not sure where the appropriate place for things like that is. Also, how do I get the firefox binary in something like /usr/bin/firefox? Can I actually just mv/cp the file firefox to that location? Do I need to make a symbolic link or something?

kodon · 09-09-2005, 11:23 PM

there are slackpacks for firefox/thunderbird
(binary releases)

angelushu · 09-10-2005, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jnsg
I recently started using Slackware as my first distro, and have started getting all my wanted software downloaded. My question is, when I install firefox for example, it lets me choose where to install it. Where should I install it? It defaults to my home directory, which I don't want since it will be for any user. I'm just not sure where the appropriate place for things like that is. Also, how do I get the firefox binary in something like /usr/bin/firefox? Can I actually just mv/cp the file firefox to that location? Do I need to make a symbolic link or something?

Most of the sources you'll get will include a configure script. Running it wil determine your machine's specs. The default installation for binaries is usually /usr/local/bin, for libraries /usr/local/lib, etc. You can tailor your install as you wish with the configure script (e.g.

Code:

configure --prefix=/usr

), run:

Code:

configure --help

to get the available options.
If wan't compiled binaries:

Code:

www.linuxpackages.net

For firefox run the installation script:

Code:

$ firefox-installer

Let's say you're installing it in /usr/local/firefox.
and make a symlink to it:

Code:

ln -s /usr/local/firefox/firefox /path/to/linkname

hitest · 09-10-2005, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jnsg
I recently started using Slackware as my first distro, and have started getting all my wanted software downloaded. My question is, when I install firefox for example, it lets me choose where to install it. Where should I install it? It defaults to my home directory, which I don't want since it will be for any user. I'm just not sure where the appropriate place for things like that is. Also, how do I get the firefox binary in something like /usr/bin/firefox? Can I actually just mv/cp the file firefox to that location? Do I need to make a symbolic link or something?

I usually download my software from this Slackware package site, it has pe-built slackware packages. Just download them to a directory, navigate to the directory, type su, enter root password, then issue this command: installpkg filename.tgz

The install package command will install the software into the proper directory for you and set up icons for you.

http://www.linuxpackages.net/packages.php

mjjzf · 09-11-2005, 03:45 AM

Traditionally, added programs not controlled by native package management were installed in /opt - I usually use that, when prompted.
So I have /opt/firefox with the executable /opt/firefox/firefox.
As mentioned above, I have made a symlink to it in /usr/bin with
/usr/bin $ ln -s /opt/firefox/firefox

hitest · 09-11-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jnsg
I recently started using Slackware as my first distro, and have started getting all my wanted software downloaded. My question is, when I install firefox for example, it lets me choose where to install it. Where should I install it? It defaults to my home directory, which I don't want since it will be for any user. I'm just not sure where the appropriate place for things like that is. Also, how do I get the firefox binary in something like /usr/bin/firefox? Can I actually just mv/cp the file firefox to that location? Do I need to make a symbolic link or something?

When I downloaded, installed the pre-built slack package for Fire Fox it was installed in the following directory.
http://www.citytel.net/~gnielsen/snapshot5.jpg
This is handy as it takes the guess work out of where to install the program.
The installpkg command handles the entire installation and puts an icon in your start menu. Sometimes you'll need to hunt for the program after installation if the icon is not put on your tool bar.