Installing software under Mandrake

[as2000]

Hello,

I am a migrating windblows user and just installed Linux.

First and foremost I have a million questions about this os. One major one that I have not read yet anywhere is how to install software. I have downloaded Netscrape and tried to install, but it Linux will not let me create the directory. Plus I cannot figure out how to create directorys myself. Is there a link that I can follow that will explain things to noobs like me?

I run Mandrake Linux with KDE desktop on a P4 1.7Ghz with 512Mb ddr.

...taking baby steps :D

[jailbreaker]

Hey this is a good place to start http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/index.html

this is also good but very long
http://www.icon.co.za/~psheer/book/index.html.gz

and before posting any thing use the search button and www.google.com/linux

[bosox79]

Originally posted by as2000
Hello,

I am a migrating windblows user and just installed Linux.

First and foremost I have a million questions about this os. One major one that I have not read yet anywhere is how to install software. I have downloaded Netscrape and tried to install, but it Linux will not let me create the directory. Plus I cannot figure out how to create directorys myself. Is there a link that I can follow that will explain things to noobs like me?

I run Mandrake Linux with KDE desktop on a P4 1.7Ghz with 512Mb ddr.

...taking baby steps :D

also just an FYI you might want to change your thread title before this thread gets closed;)

[sharth]

Originally posted by bosox79
also just an FYI you might want to change your thread title before this thread gets closed;) they can't once we reply. Please read the posting guidelines. They are a sticky at the top of every board.

[bosox79]

Originally posted by sharth
they can't once we reply. Please read the posting guidelines. They are a sticky at the top of every board.

sorry I forgot let me rephrase that in the future you may want to use a title that better describes the thread

thanks sharth :o

[sharth]

Theres the whole rpm / deb thingy. It basically depends on which distro you are using. Although the most common packages should be provided by your supplier on the cds themselves...

So what distro? although we probably will have to do a new thread...

[mrBen]

He's running Mandrake, from his original post, therefore RPM

I will change the thread title rather than locking it just this once, given that it was noted so quickly, but don't do it again. ;)

as2000: I suggest you do a search on installing RPMs and installing software in general - there is a tonne of information already here on the forums, and also in the library.

[tarcintr]

try to install as superuser
type su in console and then the password
then type rmp -uhv * where * is all your rpm file's name

[motub]

Oh, for pete's sake, are there no Mandrake users here?

First of all, Mozilla (and possibly also Netscape) is already installed.

But OK.

The preferred way to install software under Mandrake is:

1. Open the Mandrake Control Center (you will need your root password).

2. Go to Software Management.

3. Open RPMDrake (Install new software; has a green plus sign).

4. Change the filter from "Mandrake Choices" to "All Packages by group"

5. Select the software you want to install and click the "install" button.


However---- by default, Mandrake's Software Sources Manager (what the Debian people would call the sources.list) only contains the 3 installation CDs.

To add sources from repositories located on the Internet, go to EasyURPMI (http://plf.zarb.org/~nanardon/urpmiweb.php) and choose the mirrors closest to you, as well as such repositories as PLF. The site will give you the exact command to add the sources you choose into your Software Sources Manager (via a command typed into a root console, which can be reached by opening a terminal and typing 'su' (without the quotes) and then the root password when prompted. You then type the commands given by EasyURPMI.)

Once you've updated the Software Sources Manager, you should have a much greater range of software available in RPMDrake, which can be installed normally.

Hope this helps.