Hello I am new to Linux, I installed Mandriva..

[Piratemac#1]

Hi my names Tom, im running Mandriva currently and I'm so lost lol
I can get apps to decompress, but directorys and seeings tons of files in the folder really confuse me. Ive always used Mac OS or Windows. Linux is a different animal thats for sure. Any help from anyone would be a great start.
Thank you for your time.

- Tom

Feel free to e-mail or IM me anytime

[aliov]

Linux is a different animal thats for sure.

Hi and Welcome ,

Linux is different but it's not an animanl .

tell us what you need exactly i mean it's not clear for me when you said decompress ? about the directory you only have to play in your home directory you don't really care about the root directory /etc /boot /usr /lib ,..... , each of them is used for something but for you use your own home folders to write .

Regards.

[Piratemac#1]

Im sorry I should have been more detailed lol. Lets say I downloaded Netscape web browser or any type of Application, I choose were to download, which I like to download to the desktop, i open it, i have all these files in the folder which i know their part of the app to run, but the question is were is that good old simple icon to click on just to open the App? I know im a noob to Linux but I really want to learn this OS Also Mandriva always logs me in as guest but says I have root administration. I'm so lost in this Operating System lol.

[devils casper]

First of all, check this tutorial : How to Install Software in Linux.
Root login is disabled in Mandriva and you can get root privileges with 'su' command in Terminal/Konsole.

[Tanzer26]

The short answer, is there isn't a simple icon to install the app. IMHO, the biggest hurdle to new users. I'm using Fedora 7 and there a several ways to install app. WhatI've used most, so far, is YUM.
Excellent thread here http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...are-linux.html

If you haven't yet, read the postings here http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...ead-first.html

[Piratemac#1]

I'm reading up on http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...are-linux.html
So ive got some learning to do Thanks again for your help guys, I really enjoyed the fast replies! I'm running Mandriva via Parallels Desktop on my Macbook. I love knowing I can run any OS on this thing pretty much. Mac's have came a long way since I was using the Mac128k

[Piratemac#1]

Ok, im still very confused why does everything have to be done manualy?
i dont know how to put files in my directory and write them, or how to compile them.. i was reading step by step and still lost, im about to buy the Linux for dummies book

[aliov]

You have only to be patient and thing will start to clarify little by little,

and always ask the right question to get the right answer .

Regards.

[Tanzer26]

Ok, im still very confused why does everything have to be done manualy?
i dont know how to put files in my directory and write them, or how to compile them.. i was reading step by step and still lost, im about to buy the Linux for dummies book

I started with the Linux for Dummies book. It's good, but still needed to search out answers. This forum has been my greatest resource.
Read this Linux is NOT Windows , it will answer many of your questions, including this one.
Then if you haven't read all the links here. http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...ead-first.html I started in the CPM and then DOS world, so working from a command line and creating directories etc is somewhat familiar, although the commands are different. Coming from the MAC world, it'll be a big change. Good luck

[Trio3b]

I think I understand what you're trying to do but if you are new to Linux I would recommend installing software through the MCC (Mandriva Control Center) using .rpms that are in the mandriva repositories.

Just as certain versions of apps won't run on certain Windows versions or the Mac OS, so too linux applications have to be written for their specific kernel version or there will be problems. ( have you ever installed a Windows app that returned with an error message about missing .dll's?) What you are trying to do (I think) is manually install files from an unzipped tarball (These are all the files you are seeing). Avoid doing this until you are more familiar with manual installations. The .rpms in the Mandriva or easyurpmi repositories are prepackaged files (kind of like zipped Windows executables) written for your specific version of Mandriva.

There is a one click software and update installation utility in Mandriva. It's called urpmi. Your MDV install should have come with many applications, but if you want something else...go into the MCC (start>system>configuration>configure your computer>enter the root password>software mgmnt. ) and learn how to access the MDV repositories. Once done you can download and install updates and additional apps with one or two mouse clicks.

Hope this helps