Installing Software

**shivaprasad** · 05-04-2008

hi
am new to open source i have downloaded many softwares and i tried to in stall and failed

i used cmds like "make" ".\configure"

all my softwares are on /root/Desktop/

dont know what is problem am finding real difficulty in installing
i have extracted files on Desktop
thank u

***Dapper Dan*** · 05-04-2008

Hi and welcome to the forums. Debian uses a neat and efficient package management system called apt-get so you can download and install the packages you need without having to compile from source (which is what it sounds like you are trying to do). Providing you already have a working Internet connection, open a terminal and type:

Code:

apt-get update

Then:

Code:

apt-get install whatever_package_ you_ need

See more about using Debian's apt-get here.

**Manchunian** · 05-04-2008

Hello,

The above is the approach to adopt in all Linux distros. Don't forget to configure your repositories, as not all of them will be enabled at this point and you won't be able to find all the software you want to install. Also, if you don't like the command line, you can use apt-get via its graphical front end called Synaptic. Just type in the software you want, select it and confirm. But, as I said, the very first thing to do is set up the repositories.

**smolloy** · 05-04-2008

Originally Posted by shivaprasad

all my softwares are on /root/Desktop/

FYI: It looks like you're logging in as the root user which is widely considered to be a bad idea. It's generally much safer to log in as a regular user, and use tools like "su" or "sudo" to temporarily gain root permissions.

Good luck with your software.

**Manchunian** · 05-04-2008

Oh yes, indeed, well spotted smolloy! Don't ever do that: log in as a normal user and do any tasks that require admin priviledges with the command line in a terminal. This is a different approach to Windows, we've all been there, but one of the reasons that Windows isn't as secure as Linux is that you can effectively be an administrator all the time. Get in the habit of using the command line now...you'll be glad you did!

**shivaprasad** · 05-05-2008

Ok from next time we will follow it. but how tat apti works it downloads automatically or it installs which ever i have Downloaded??

And happy to tell tat replies are quicker then i expected

Will be asking all our doubts here it self. Am roaming here to find who knows linux from many days now will stop it

**Manchunian** · 05-05-2008

Apt is already available - you have nothing to do, except to configure it.

**shivaprasad** · 05-05-2008

hey can u give an example i tried to install Mozilla but its asking for CD
.. CD is not there with me

its giving
Media change: please insert the disc labeled
'Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 r0 _Etch_ - Official i386 DVD Binary-1 20070407-11:40'
in the drive '/cdrom/' and press enter

tell me some way to download and install softwares

**smolloy** · 05-05-2008

What command did you use to try to install mozilla?

Have you tried the following?

Code:

apt-get install firefox

**Manchunian** · 05-05-2008

It looks to me that you have still got the CD enabled as a repository. Open up /etc/apt/sources.list, copy the file and post it here:

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