I need Linux help. (I am having software installation trouble)

[Googer]

I have downloaded and installed Xandros Linux and I like what I see so far. But I have not figured out how to add new linux apps to the OS. For example I downloaded Mozilla Thunderbird and Xandros will automaticly decompress the tar.gz file and extract the files for me, but I cannot figure out where to place them or how to configure/install them to operate and show up in the launch menu.

By the way Xandros uses the K Desktop Enviroment (KDE).


Is this distribution of linux (or linux in general) similar to old Windows 3.1 or DOS ( any version) where files needed to be manally placed in a folder and a short cut created manualy as well?

 

[phisrow]

Have a look at the link below:

http://forums.xandros.com/viewtopic.php?t=7472

Linux software installs are a good bit different from Windows, and often vary between distributions.

Edit: Unlike Windows, LInux generally rewards sticking with your distribution's packages(unless you know what you are doing, or have a good reason). I keep seeing references to "Xandros networks" you should look into that, to see if you can find the package you need.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: Googer
Is this distrobution of linux (or linux in general) similar to old Windows 3.1 or DOS ( any version) where files needed to be manally placed in a folder and a short cut created manualy as well?

No. An installer is usually included with pre-compiled apps, or you compile it manually and an installer is created during the compile. All you do is run the installer (see the included README).

If you run the installer as root the app is usually installed to /usr and is available to all users. If you run the installer as a restricted user then it installs to that users /home directory and is available to that user only.

Of course, most distros include package managers as well. If the app is included in one of the repos, then it is best to use the package manager to install the app.

 

[n0cmonkey]

I can't believe these pieces of software don't have README or INSTALLATION files...

EDIT: Oh, and if Xandros doesn't have a package management system, dump it. Or grab pkgsrc.