How do u install software in Linux?

[ski999]

Damn I'm lost. Please tell me it goes something like a windows or mac where you click the file and follow the on screen prompts :D

I downloaded a Unreal Tournament demo last week and vnc today. So far all I know is that one of the files in unreal gave me this overly complicated means of installing it. Please tell me it isnt so :)

[mrBen]

Erm, probably. Hopefully it might have an installer of some sort, but I don't know for sure. I'm afraid you'll probably just have to follow the complicated instructions. Someone else who has experience with the demo might be able to help more, but in my experience, a lot of software tends to be quite difficult to install. :(

[bdg1983]

There's RPM packages.

'rpm -ivh package.rpm' to install
'rpm -Uvh package.rpm' to upgrade

'man rpm' will give you the options

To compile and install software in the tar or tar.gz format, read the NHF here (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/intel/compiling/softinstall.html) on the subject.

[ski999]

You have got to be friggin kidding me. No thanks :)

Your all just fooling yourselves if you think linux is on par with Microsoft or Apple when it comes to a desktop operating system.

I'll be back in a couple of years when linux is finished...hopefully

[digitalzero]

I guess some ppl just cant hand linux!
"wait till linux is finished"???
HAHAHAHA

[ 22 March 2001: Message edited by: digitalzero ]

[Derango]

hey, no problem. Linux isn't for everyone. I hope you'll reconsider (and stop trying to compare linux to windows, it just dosent work), but if you don't I respect your decision.

[rppp01]

This guy sounded like he came here specifically to troll that point. While I agree with the basic issue of apps being harder to install than windows, his approach is not what I call open minded or even newbie curious. And no one pointed out the GUI tools available with Mandrake or RedHat or SUSE (like the kde install tool or gnome install tool).

People. Have you ever worked on a unix box? Do you ever install on a unix box at all? The file is usually tar'd and zipped up. Once that mess is over, then you get a shell script that you run. Usually, the install is all console based. Some apps come prepackaged for the OS app installer, but by and large the console install is the most common (in my experience). And it is usually faster than the installer I have used on windows for the same product.
Hey, use windows. It has its strengths. Use mac, it has its strengths. But realize that when you use linux/unix you are not on MS's or Apple's turf, you are on their turf. Put up or shut up.
And people! kpackage! gnorpm! come on!

[Kadesh]

Ugh I hate GnoRPM. Maybe it's because CLI rpm is so straight forward but I just can't stand it.

Never used kpackage. If it's nice then it's one more point for KDE I guess.

[mrBen]

I use KPackage quite a lot, in fact I prefer it over RPMDrake, which is the standard on Mandrake. It does the job, but if you know all the dependicies are there, then firing off a quick CLI is better.

Off course, we shouldn't discount the power of apt-get in Debian, and the new Red Curtain from Ximian.

[Big_daddy]

WWAAAAHHHHH!!!! I want a Fisher-Price computer. This one's too hard!!! I press Big Bird and it says his name. This computer won't do that!!!! I don't want to learn anything!!! It's too hard!!!! I might break a fingernail!!! WAAAAHHH!!!! I just want to hear Big Bird. Why is that so hard??!!! WWWAAAAHHHH!!!

baby.

[Unruly]

Well, installing Linux apps isn't too hard, ONCE you get some basics down.

1. They are, for the most part, not easy (i.e. NOT 'Point, double click, follow brainless prompts, agree to sell your soul, install').
2. There are different types of 'packages' that will all accomplish the same thing, according to your distro, learn them and what your distro can use(rpm, tgz, tar.gz, deb...).
3. Some programs need to be 'built', as in source code (tar.gz) that needs to be (quite simply) compiled. Simply put - make, make install.

I understand your frustration, and in a way, agree. Linux is a virtual nightmare when it comes to package management/use simply because there is no set standard in which to comply around (good/bad).

Linux is finished, it's just being improved upon constantly, and can never go "gold" per-se, since it's always getting better.

[ 22 March 2001: Message edited by: Unruly ]

[ 22 March 2001: Message edited by: Unruly ]

[snowgod]

Originally posted by ski999:
You have got to be friggin kidding me. No thanks :)


Your all just fooling yourselves if you think linux is on par with Microsoft or Apple when it comes to a desktop operating system.


I'll be back in a couple of years when linux is finished...hopefully

hey ski, why are you ranting about linux so much? if you don't like it don't use it. Its not on par with mac or windows as a desktop system because its not designed to be one. I red your posts in bill vs. linus and am thinking that you are another "windows rules" I for one got interested in linux because of its differnece from windows and mac such as better stability and performance, but that is just me. If you don't like linux and aren't willing to try and learn new things, then get the hell out, because I amongst others I'm sure are sick of you.