Well, since your new, I'll try to keep this relatively simple.. If you can, stick to rpm's like those that came with mandrake linux... (to install type in an xterm or console:
rpm -ivh package-name.i586.rpm in install one.) they are easier to install and keep a central database so you can uninstall them easily. a gz file is a compressed file, usually the source code of the program, (the stuff that the programmers understand) It has yet to be compiled, (turned into the stuff that your PC understands) more often then not, there is an install or setup file in the compressed file that contains the instructions on how to compile or install it.. it might involve the "make" command, you need to read the readme or setup instructions as packages differ depending on what they do.... hope that helps.. rgds Frank -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Eric Baber Sent: Tuesday, 23 October 2001 2:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [newbie] Installing a new program Thanks to everyone who replied to my reply re. Internet Explorer - I get the hint that it ain't gonna work :-) The main thing I really wanted it for was to be able to use my old Outlook Express e-mails; I guess I'll have to export and then import them into a Linux mail program instead then. Next question: how do I install new programs on Linux? I've found the "Upgrade" option and that works fine for stuff held on one of the upgrade FTP sites. However, I've tried downloading a few programs ("packages" in Linux-speak?), and once they've been downloaded I can't seem to get any further. The one I'm particularly interested in downloads as a .gz file, i.e. a zipped one. If I click it it unzips itself- fine. I then open the folder with the unzipped stuff and click on the file called "Setup" or "Install" or something like that, and it gives me an error message saying "cannot open the file". Am I doing the right things and have just downloaded the wrong installation file? It's not a .zip file so I'm quite sure I haven't downloaded the Windows installer by mistake. Any help would be great! Thanks Eric
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