[Alec868]

im new to linux. i know how to use the synaptic package manager to download software but i dont know how to run something i download without going through the manager. can anyone walk me through this?

[hazel]

You can run any program, once installed, by typing its name in a terminal window. But if it's a graphical program, you might prefer to add it to your menu system. You can use the alacarte menu editor in the apps menu to do this.

[Alec868]

i can download stuff no problem, but to install it asks me what application to open it with, and i dont know what to tell it. also i think i have to extract the files and im not sure how to do that either. thanks

[ozar]

If you are downloading your packages properly using Synaptic, they should be getting installed during the process.

[techieMoe]

Originally Posted by Alec868

i can download stuff no problem, but to install it asks me what application to open it with, and i dont know what to tell it. also i think i have to extract the files and im not sure how to do that either. thanks

Make sure you're downloading DEB files. Ubuntu uses Debian's packaging system. If you double-click on a downloaded DEB file you should get a window that will let you install it using the built-in package manager.

If you're downloading RPMs, that won't work. What kinds of files are you downloading?

[Alec868]

im not sure ill check.

[Alec868]

now when i download something and it asks for an application to open it with, i have been installing it to my desk top. is that what i want to be doing?

[Alec868]

bin files?

[techieMoe]

Originally Posted by Alec868

bin files?

Take a look at our tutorial on installing Bin/SH files here:

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...are-linux.html

[ozar]

Here's a software installation HowTo that covers several ways to install software under Linux, including .bin files:

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/lin...are-linux.html

Edit: that techieMoe is fast!