Installing and running apps

webbdesigns · 03-30-2002, 02:48 PM

I have been totally facinated by red hat linux, trying to get proficient enough to punt MicroSoft and us RH exclusively. The only problem is that I seem to an idiot....

I don't seem to posses the ability to download and run any software whatsoever.

I downloaded StarOffice. Now I have this <filename>.bin file....I've done chmod u+x and then typed it at the command line and it tells me it's not a command..??

I downloaded doom (very excited), ran 'tar -xvzf <filename>', it unpacked but now what? I try to run the executable and it also tells me its not a command.

I hate microsoft with a passion, If I could only get some apps to run I'd be on my way!!

linuxfanatic · 03-30-2002, 03:18 PM

for Doom, did you read the README or the INSTALL, whatever it has. most likely, though i've never installed Doom, if it is Source then you will probably have to run a script. if you tried just running the script it wont work, say if its "configure" you have to do a './configure" .. what is the name of the executable exactly?

Mara · 03-30-2002, 03:20 PM

How do you start SO installer? If you are in its directory it will be ./filename. ./ is important!
Tar.gz files: enter the directory created. There will be README or INSTALL dile. Standard procedure is
./configure
make
make install

taz.devil · 03-30-2002, 05:51 PM

It's also possible that some .bin files won't run using ./whatever.bin so you can always type:

sh whatever.bin

Sixpax · 03-30-2002, 08:20 PM

Since you are running Redhat, if at all possible, try to download the RPM version of any software you want to install. Sure makes things a lot easier.

webbdesigns · 03-30-2002, 08:56 PM

Thanks for all your feed back. I do have an update of my activities and a couple more questions as well.

Continuing to pittle around, I went to the GNOME bar and used the 'run' menu option (red hat). Fired the *.bin file there and viola'. StarOffice launched and loaded. I never could get it to do anything at the command line....is there an SO executable somewhere that you have to go to that directory to run it???

I'm with ya on the RPM files.......

Now with the DOOM tar, looks like I have it unpacked but I can't make heads or tails with that. There are readme's and config's out the wazuty but .... I'm just not sure.