Explanation of RPM's needed

[needhelplinux]

Hi,

I need to know about the RPM system, including how to use a .tar.gr file as one. I can copy the RPM, but can not find how to install it.

Thanks

[SuperHornet]

.tar.gz is not a RPM.
Read this (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56653&highlight=taring) for tar info.

For RPM's im sure if you do a simple google search on the matter you will find your answer. Also since you are new to linux you might want to learn about man pages.

ie..: man rpm

[ssjf]

RPM is a packaging system used by various distros (RH and MDK come to mind). They contain all of the binaries some files that are required to run a program...

There are various ways to install them:

1. Use a GUI program. If you are running X, then it should be as easy as going into the file manager of choice and clicking on it.
2. Use the rpm -U [filename].rpm on the command line.

If all goes well, there should be no required dependencies, and your program is installed.

A .tar.gz or .tgz (same thing) or .tar.bz2 or .tbz2 (same thing) are files that often contain source code for programs (they can contain anything - they are the commonly used .zip of linux/unix). The source must be compiled. tar.gz or tar.bz and their offshoots are sometimes called tarballs for further reference. Hope this solves everything - if it doesn't, then just post again about anything you are confused.

[ShieldWolf]

To install a rpm called foo.rpm, open a terminal and enter the following;

rpm -ivh foo.rpm

To install a tar.gz named foo.tar.gz, open a terminal and cd to the directory you downloaded foo.tar.gz into. Then issue the following;

tar -zxvf foo.tar.gz

This will create a new subdirectory in the current one called something like foo/ . Change to that directory and then issue the following;

./configure

Then issue;

make

Then enter;

su
Supply your root password

Then issue;

make install

This should work. If it doesn't, then you need to read any error messages and try to install any missing dependancies.

May I suggest that you invest in a good book on Linux that will cover these basics? Linux Complete Second Edition is only $15.99 if you order it online from www.sybex.com, $19.99.

Or try your local used book stores. While many things have been added in recent Linux releases, the basics should still be the same.

If you have more time than money, download this book, http://www.icon.co.za/~psheer/book/index.html.gz

There are several others listed here http://www.tcfb.com/freetechbooks/booklinux.html

Good Luck! :)

[SuperHornet]

Also checkout http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/Installation/Familiarizing_Yourself_With_Linux.html

[fancypiper]

Maximum RPM (http://www.rpm.org/max-rpm/)

Guides to software and installation:
Compiling Software NHF (http://linuxnewbie.orghttp://hardware.redhat.com/hcl/?pagename=hcl/nhf/Compiling_Kernels/Compiling_Software.html)
LNAG - How do I install a program I downloaded from the Internet? (http://sunsite.dk/linux-newbie/lnag_basics.html#how_do_install)
Rute Guide's software explanation (http://rute.2038bug.com/node27.html.gz)

[needhelplinux]

Hi,

Thanks for that. Worked fine. No errors.

Thanks