Linux RPMs and Source Code

[jenn11699]

I was wondering if anyone knows of any issues with compiling RPMs containing Sorce Code?
I downloaded an RPM w/Source code to a 98 pc and then copied it over to a Linux pc. Now I am having a hard time compiling it.

Any information will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Jenn

[furrycat]

Unlike Unix (and hence Linux), Windows makes a distinction between "binary" and "text" files. If you don't explicitly tell Windows that a file is binary it will treat it as text and add carriage returns wherever it sees a linefeed. This is because lines in DOS are marked by carriage return followed by linefeed, whereas it's just linefeed in Unix.

So, if you download a file (like an RPM file) on to a Windows machine without specifying that it's a binary file, Windows will mash it up when it sees linefeeds.

If you downloaded the file from a web server, the fault is with the server administrators for not sending a header telling your browser that it was a binary file. If you downloaded it via ftp, it's your fault for not specifying binary transfer mode.

Bottom line: Use a download manager to get RPMs on Windows. Preferably do not use Windows at all.

Of course, this may not be the issue at all. I'm taking a stab in the dark since your comment "I am having a hard time compiling it" says absolutely nothing about what is going wrong.

[Refreshrate]

Originally posted by furrycat:
[B] If you don't explicitly tell Windows that a file is binary it will treat it as text and add carriage returns wherever it sees a linefeed. B]

Hi all! I'm a Linux newbie. Put RHL7.1 on my pc and my X-windows and sound are not working. Cant even get into the GUI.

So I d/loaded some drivers from the proper site, one of it is a SRPM file, onto a Windows machine, copied it over onto my Linux machine. and started messing around.

Ran into a similar prob when tried to compile it.

So how do I tell Windows it's a binary file?

Thanx.