help reqired on software installation

markyb · 04-03-2005, 09:01 AM

hi
ive been running suse 9.2 for several weeks now and realy like it.
however asa a newbee i am getting realy down when trying to follow articles in books and mags and then finding that they dont work for me.
ive downloaded software from the web, tried to install from cover disks following there instructions but still seem to be getting nowere.
up to now all i can do is install off the suse dvd and install downloaded rpm,s
can anyone direct me to a web page that shows howto install other types of files.
and that is for complete novices.
i dont use windows now unless i realy have to and that is the way i want it to stay.
i recently tried to install software like gnu pod for using my ipod. and software to try and get my origianal dvd s working but all i seem to get is a big headache at the end of it.
look forward to hearing off you
mark

JSpired · 04-03-2005, 11:22 AM

I'm not exactly sure which type of software you're looking to install, but you can fire up YaST and install software. Additionally, you can download anything you like and install it. (When in doubt, read the text or help files associated with the install.) If you're looking for updated software, start here. Download whatever you like, then right click on the file and choose "install with YaST." You'll be prompted to enter your root password and then the install will continue.

markyb · 04-03-2005, 12:07 PM

ive no problem with yast and rpm files
however i got problems with other file types ie: tar
ive just downloaded the same file as an example ive seen in a book.
but when i open shell and type the same commands as book. i get no were.

imemyself · 04-04-2005, 09:59 AM

If you can find RPM's for the software that you're wanting that might be a better and easier option. If the its a tarball that you're trying to install you'll probably have to compile it. Usually a

Code:

gunzip abc.tar.gz
tar xvf abc.tar
cd abc/
./configure
make
make install

(assuming abc.tar.gz is the name of the tarball)
will work but not always.

If you can find and RPM, it will be much easier. Just do a

Code:

rpm -ivh abc.rpm

If you can give us the name of the software, we make be able to find you an RPM.

abisko00 · 04-04-2005, 10:44 AM

You may also find this interesting:
http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/...on_from_source

Concerning your iPOD I can recommend GTKpod, which is available as rpm from http://packman.links2linux.org/. Note that you may need to recompile the kernel: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hreadid=303945

markyb · 04-04-2005, 11:13 AM

thanks for all you replies i wiull check these sites out
as a user of windows for many years i yhought it was time for a change.
in the short time i have used linux i have found it challenging to say the least.
but its starting to make me think about what i am doing, instead of just click click click . like you do on windows.
i know i could probally run this os like windows and never have to compile anything.
however ive probaly learned more about my pc since installing linux than i ever did with windows.
.thanks again