Distributions and programs

Abnoba12 · 02-23-2005, 08:43 AM

Quick question. I have been trying to get this Dynamic DNS update client (from no-ip) to work on my machine. Is there a way to tell if a program will work with my current distribution of Linux? Are all distributions similar enough so that all programs should work on all distributions?

theYinYeti · 02-23-2005, 08:49 AM

All programs should work on all distributions, when compiled from source, except exceptional cases, such as Wine only working on x86, and thus not working on PPC Linux.
On the other hand:
- All packages, and binaries, are not meant to work on all distributions;
- Some programs' requirements are so strange and/or outdated and/or "bleeding-edge", that they are difficult to install even in binary form, sometimes even on the distribution they were intended to be installed on.

So basically: you have to try and see by yourself.

Yves.

GlenX · 02-23-2005, 08:49 AM

a small hint...

If the program is in source form (usualy filename.tar.bz2 or something simular) the chances are it will work on any linux.

If how ever is is in binary form then you have to check...

RPM is for RPM distrobutions (Mandrake, Red Hat Fedora)
DEB is for debian etc etc

I see your running Fedora core 2 so look for either a *.rpm, *.fc2.rpm or *.tar.gz (*tar.bz2)

GlenX

Abnoba12 · 02-23-2005, 08:58 AM

Thank you guys, Gives me a little pice of mind. as a personal goal I need to start moving twards the command prompt and away from the strong dependance of the GUI.

progress, progress.
Thanks