Option one, installing from source, is where you compile binary files from source code with a compiler. The second option is where the compilation is already done for you. You are right that the latter is popular because the tricky sutff (compiling) is already done for the user. Compiling from source has the advantage of being able to compile customized options right int the binary files though. If you are extreme about security, you can scrutenize the source code to make sure its secure. Only then would you compile it ad run the resulting binaries. Another part of the install process is placing the binaries in various directories in the file system. This is partially what a wizard or instal script will do for you (make install).
On Aug 30, 6:17 am, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Keep in mind, I don't have any experience creating Linux programs, so > I bowing to everyone's superior knowledge here. > > Here's a question that I've been wondering about for a while now, and > it concerns installing new programs. It seems there are three > different types of new programs/apps. > > 1) Compiled from source. > > 2) A regular install similar to Win/Mac with something like an > install shield helping with the dirty work (choose directory, copying > files from CD, etc.) like Inherit The Earth does. > > 3) Plain executable files. Zaxxon Retro Remake falls in this > category. You download the tarball, unzip it, and then click on the > executable, and you're reliving the fun of the old arcades. > > My question is this -- what are the advantages and disadvantages of > each of these systems? What makes people pick one over the others? > I'm guessing that with Zaxxon, the file is so small and the > application so limited (it is just a game, after all), there's no need > for any fancy stuff, while the other two can configure themselves to > how you have your file system and networks set up and such. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Linux Users Group. To post a message, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit our group at http://groups.google.com/group/linuxusersgroup -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
