i cant even install a simple app..help!

[sad_b0i]

ok can anyone give me simple steps on how to install the AOL instant messenger for mandrake 7.1
when i try to open it up in X it says cant do it...
must mean i have to open up a terminal right?
if so...how do i do this...it would be helpful because ill be able to use that knowledge on other apps too...thanks!

[posterboy]

I suspect that this is an .rpm file. Right? If so, you must be root to install anything. Easy way: su in a terminal then roots paswd, and then rpm -Uvvh whatever.rpm, then type exit, and you are back to your user, and the thingy is installed. Type it's name in the terminal, and STAND BACK! :) Ray

[Tyr-7BE]

if it's a tar.gz file:

tar -zvxf <filename>
cd <directoryfilenamecreates>
./configure
make
make install

this is the most common way, but there will almost always be a readme or an install file.