Things To Know Before Using Linux

Installing applications might be a daunting task for newbies, since most people are accustomed of using .exe files, which do not work in Linux by default. Therefore its necessary for people to learn the installation process of Linux.. People using Linux has lots of choice when it comes to installing application .. You can install applications using the following methods :-
Compiling Source Code : - Compiling Source is the best way to install applications, though not the easiest way to do ! Therefore to make things easy developers comes with Distro centric packages explained above.. Or with some new a stunning technology.. To compile a package from Source first download the source code of the software from its site..
Now unzip the package using the inbuilt package manager.. After that open Terminal.. Terminal act as Command Prompt in Linux.. To open Terminal navigate to

1. Gnome : - Main Menu – Accessories – Terminal
2. KDE :- Kmenu – System Tools – Konsole

Once you have done .. Open the unzipped folder and copy the path/location of folder.. If you have unzipped the folder @ Desktop then the path should be like /home/<user-name>/desktop/<folder-name> or simple click this on the folder for easy navigation to path ..


After that we will change the path of the Terminal to the folder path in order to access the directory . To change the path simple type

To compile the software further follow these steps..
Use the commands one by one and after these steps the application will get installed.. Compiling might get on nerves if you have problem with dependencies.. As all required s/w , drivers have to be installed before compiling software for e.g. GCC Compiler, G++ and other depending on what software used !

Well compiling software is big no no for a newbie/mediocre user, compiling applications is time taking and might confuse the guy ! To get rid of this problem all distro now comes with simple programs..

Add / Remove Manager : - Just like in Windows , Linux too has add/remove programs for simple installation of programs and system tools.. Though in Linux the add/remove works as a portal for both installing and removing applications. All you need is an Internet Connection and after that just enter the name/description and select the application for installation .

All the packages available in the program are maintained by company/individuals owing the distro, so you don't have to worry about the functioning and security of the package.. Some of the popular Add/Remove programs of distro are Synaptic Package Manager, Ubuntu Add/Remove, openSUSE Zypper/Yast2, Mandriva URPMI/rpmdrake etc. Few distro linux Linux mint comes with unique installation software just enter the name of software in Mint Install and it will search and ask you to install package in simple steps..


Third Party Repositories / Websites : Its not necessary that you will find every available application in the Default repositories . In that case you have to enable Non-Free / third party repositories. Every distro comes with some non-free set of repos like medibuntu for Ubuntu based, PLF for Mandriva based and so on... just add the repos from their website and just after adding repositories you gain access to much larger software library..

If somehow the software is not available then you can switch to third party website for packages.. Though the software home page will list the packages but incase you don't have distro specific package listed there and you don't wanna compile either then in such situation you have access to some website those maintain distro specific package which are safe to use and works well..

Some of the site good for packages are

1. GetDeb : - Getdeb is a website which contain software packages for Debian based distribution. You can easily download packages from there and install by double clicking it..
2. RpmFind : Rpmfind.net is another package site for RPM based distro .. The website has vast collection of software , this site contains distro specific rpm like you will get different rpm packages for mandriva, openSUSE and Fedora.

Multi platform Install Wizard : - Yes I am talking about CNR { Click 'N' Run } , a Linspire {now Xandros} initiative for installing software on you Linux BOX.. A unique way of installing applications. All you need is to install CNR Client on any supported Linux distro and search the software in the CNR website. Download a small cnr file and double click to install it... CNR maintains a huge repositories with user reviews and ratings for better search and recommendations.. CNR maintains software regularly though I found the installation a bit sluggish than inbuilt package manager.. .The service is still in its beta stage but certainly a boon for those who prefer hassle free installation..

CNR is currently limited to Ubuntu/Debian based distribution only though the site promises to deliver client for RPM based distro like openSUSE, Fedora and Mandirva.. The image of CNR is still under mist as Xandros hasn't cleared that it will continue its support for other distro or not !