Stupid Question!!!!

[Ch2i5]

Ok, can someone explain this to me, I keep hearing about when you get a new program, you have to recompile ****, and I don't understnad, can someone explain this clearly to stupid old newbie me?

[twen]

you only have to compile software if your installing from source eg xyz.tar.bz
the first thing to do is to unpack the archive into the /usr/local directory.
then find the readme file and read it for instructions on how to install.
generally you have to do
cd into/new/directory
./configure
make
make install
you have to be root
but somtimes there is an "install script" that you can run

hope that helps :)
let me know

[ 12 November 2001: Message edited by: twen ]

[mrBen]

OK - there are 2 main times of program out there: those that are binaries (think windows .exe files) and those that come as source code files (basically text files). Binaries (usually in the form of .rpm (RedHat Package Manager) packages) can be installed simply and easily. Source code files must be compiled (because text files don't do anything). Usually it's just a matter of typing:

./configure
make
make install

./configure configures the installation according to the parameters of your system, make prepares the files for compilation, and make install does the business. (Or something like that)

Whats the difference?

Well, most binary/package files look like this: <packagename>.i386.rpm which means that it is a binary that was initially compiled to be used on a 386 machine. Not making much use of your P4, are you? In theory stuff compiled on your machine from source will run quicker than an associated binary. Plus it's easier for the developer to release a source than a binary.

Hope that helps

[Ch2i5]

thank you very much, when i got my new montiro cause my old one blew last night wehn I was downloading Mandrake 8.1 I'll know how to install stuff, now thanks a bunch.

[bdg1983]

Why not read what was prepared just for this type of question.

http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/intel/compiling/softinstall.html