newbie needs some linux lessons

[Cancel2002]

Ok, i installed WinLinux the other day and basically i don't know how to do the simplest things yet. I was looking at the Faqs and everything, but i still can't figure out how to install anything... the one package i think i _might_ have installed right doesn't load right, just has the box on the taskbar with the spinning disc, but then just disappears. That was gaim btw. The other things were in tars and i wasn't sure how to install them, thier instructions were vague. One other thing, I think i'm missing some important stuff from the linux install, because i can't compile anything using make. Any help would be appreciated.

P.S. I already tried to get help on IRC but all 3,000 users seemed to be afk, and i'm getting tired of logging off root just to use IRC.

[bdg1983]

Besides always reading the Install/readme docs from the tars, you can also try the NHF http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/intel/compiling/softinstall.html as it explains most of what you need.

Did you do a full install of Winlinux, so to have all the development packages that are required to compile and install new software?

I always do a full install and then trim down on what I don't need.

[Cancel2002]

No, i had to do the desktop compact install because i dont have the CD, i used the download one... are those development packages on the winlinux site what i need? not sure how to use them, but i downloaded them.

Oh, also, i'm missing some files that gaim needs to run, i tried some 'gaim&' command in the console and it told me what i was missing... are these called dependencies? where do i get these files?

[ 01 August 2001: Message edited by: Cancel2002 ]

[j.harrison]

Try rpmfind.net.

[posidamuS]

WinLinux, the two just dont sound good nor look good together! Try this: go to dos type in FDISk, delete all partitions. Set new active partition and go to the store and buy MANDRAKE OR SLAKEWARE! But STERILIZE your computer, especially, the CDROM. then place the almight software in the tray! Sit back and watch the beauty!

"It's nudy magazine day" :p

[danrees]

You should always run as a user rather than root, because you can do much less damage to your system (through typos etc).

The best way is to login as a user, and then type: su whenever you want to execute something as root.

You can never be 100% sure that your system is fully secure, so connecting to the net as root is a v. bad idea unless absolutely necessary.

[ 03 August 2001: Message edited by: danrees ]