I need help with installing Software under Mandrake.

[guyanapunchline]

I know this sounds completely lame, but I have tried and tried to install software.
I have to install python, gtk, and pygtk...in order to run a music client called Nicotine (which runs under python...(the installation file is called setup.py)).
I tried unzipping each program with tar -zxvf and -gzip and then installing them from the install information provided with the package.

(and an answer as to why even though I -su to root to mount my cd-rom so I can listen to music...it says that it cant mount it...that would be quite helpful as well.

thank you so much,

Jessica

[bsm2001]

use the mandrake package mgr and install them with that.

they are on the install cd's.
not a good idea to mix rpm-tar together because they may get installed in diff places.

[asklepios]

you should use urpmi and you won't even need to compile anything. compiling things from source on distros like Mandrake is not easy as most of the devel packages are missing and if you try to do so, then most prolly you will end up frustrated.
you should go to
http://urpmi.org/easyurpmi/index.php
http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?threadid=33668481
those links will help you to setup urpmi properly.

about the second part. if you are trying to play Audio CDs then you don't need to mount it. you can play it just by putting it in your drive and using a player like workbone or CD Player that comes with KDE.

[pickarooney]

Audio CDs don't have a recognisable file system, so can't be mounted.
Do you have an internal audio cable running from the CDROM drive to the motherboard? This simplifies things a lot, otherwise you can play audio CDs from xmms, though you may need a plugin. Sorry, I can't remember its name if you do need that plugin.

[guyanapunchline]

I read and read about the rpm package manager, but I thought that you could only use it for the packages that were listed when you opened it.
(any tips on using RPM to compile the files?)
As for mounting the CD to play music, I didn't know, but all I had to do was type in /mnt/cdrom and I got it to work. Thank you so much.

[guyanapunchline]

Oooooh....how exactly do I use this urpmi thing...and what does it do?!
(sorry for all the questions, but sometimes It takes a while for things to register *taps head*.)

thanks,
Jessica

[guyanapunchline]

these files are all in the tar.gz format. I cannot find any rpm files for these, although it would be really nice...and I suppose that I have to learn how to compile things, eventually anyway.
If anyone is willing to walk me through the process, it would be appreciated


::Jessica::

[asklepios]

actually urpmi won't help you in compiling those packages. rather it will download precompiled packages for you and install it on your PC. its true that you have to start compiling stuff eventually but imo every new user should start slowly and compiling stuff on distros like MDK and RH is not the easiest job as they don't come with most of the devel packages by default. i m not scaring you away but i m just telling you my own experience. i was so frustrated of this compiling in MDK that i thought about foiling this whole idea of using Linux and almost joined the "Linux Sucks" bandwagon.
how urpmi works. well i have given you links and you could easily go through them but still you should read man urpmi. generally saying, you tell this program to find an rpm for you. it searches through the sources you gave it (the links explain how to do it), and will check whether the rpm is already installed or not. if it is not, then it does so for you.
it usually has almost every thing you want. i have checked and it does have python, gtk and pygtk.
Nicotine rpms are available here
http://www.rpmfind.net/linux/rpm2html/search.php?query=nicotine&submit=Search+...&system=&arch=
if you still want to compile stuff then here are four basic commands
tar -zxvf <source file name>
./configure
make
make install (as root)
also you should read README and INSTALL files that these packages come with.

[Daedrus]

If you are looking for these files as rpms, check

http://rpmfind.net

You usually can find for Mandrake there, along with many other distros.

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by guyanapunchline
these files are all in the tar.gz format.

If anyone is willing to walk me through the process, it would be appreciated


We have a Compiling Software JL Help File that explains how to compile from source.

http://justlinux.com/nhf/Software/Compiling_Software.html

Always review the README and INSTALL text files included with the package before attempting to install.

[guyanapunchline]

I came upon the RPMS for nicotine, python, and pygtk....NIGHTMARE. Each one required 8987439572394 other programs to work properly, and the RPMs would not install (due to package errors). I've downloaded so many rpms, that I can't keep my **** straight.
Linux is very very frustrating, but I'm going to keep trying.
Thanks for the links and the tutorials on compiling.
Oh, question...
when I type
in the
./config after I use the tar -zxvf command, it says something about not being able to run it, or the file ./.config doesnt exist...whats up with that...do I have to run this all under root?


::Jessica::

[asklepios]

Originally posted by guyanapunchline
Linux is very very frustrating told you :)
you should've used urpmi in first place. no frustrations...

anyways, that should be ./configure not ./config

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by guyanapunchline

Oh, question...
when I type
in the
./config after I use the tar -zxvf command, it says something about not being able to run it, or the file ./.config doesnt exist...whats up with that...do I have to run this all under root?


You didn't read the INSTALL and INSTALL text files included in the package OR read the JL Help File on Compiling Software... both of which were suggested above.

[guyanapunchline]

I finally figured out how to do compile. Thanks so much for all of your help. The urpmi thing is quite helpful as well. Seriously, thanks.

::Jessica::