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Thread ID: 11496 2001-09-21 20:26:00 Installing Applications in Linux Guest (0) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
19200 2001-09-21 20:26:00 I've been trying out Linux but I have one big problem with it. I can hardly ever install new software. A variety of error messages happen eg with netscape 6 from this month's CD ( running the installer) I get the message 'can only start executables on local disk' when thetar.gz file is on my hard drive and has unzipped. I've tried the various zxvf $ and make install options but to no avail. I always sem to get these problems and unless someone can help me to resolve this I don't think Linux will ever be a viable option forme. Guest (0)
19201 2001-09-21 20:57:00 What version of Linux are you
trying out?
It is hoped that in a year or so all versions will run the same,
Guest (0)
19202 2001-09-22 02:50:00 First, are you logged in as root?
You will need to be to install almost anything.


I would try and find the RPM its much easier to install.

If NS doesn't have one, then get the latest from
www.mozilla.org/releases
(its what NS6 is based on and doesn't have all their bloat).
Guest (0)
19203 2001-09-22 10:39:00 Installed Netscape from the CD last night onto RedHat 7.0 - have to be logged in as root. INstall went without a hitch - picked up my settings and e-mail from previous install. Guest (0)
19204 2001-09-23 07:31:00 Newbies should really stick to RPMs. They can be installed very easily if you have a GUI utility such as Kpackage or GnoRPM.

If, however, you really need to compile stuff yourself (i.e. using .tar.gz archives), then you -must- make sure that you have the necessary development tools installed. If you opted not to install the development utilities when you installed your distro, then you will not be able to compile any application.
Guest (0)
19205 2001-09-23 09:58:00 Netscape is one of the easy non-RPM ones to install.

1.Copy the file Netscape*.tar.gz to a temporary directory.
2.Unzip it with this command:

gunzip Netscape*.tar.gz

3. Expand the file with the following command:

tar -xvf Netscape*.tar

4. Log in as root and start Xwindows. Click onto the file called Netscape - this is script that completes the rst of the installation with a few simple questions to answer.

5. After completion, you can delete the temporary installation files.
John
Guest (0)
19206 2001-09-24 06:18:00 Hi Rick,
I have found a small manual you can download that answered some of my most basic questions about getting started in Linux.
I just tried to get to the site I got it off and it seems it has gone. If you are interested email me at bill.cheryll.cox@xtra.co.nz and I will send the file to you (96k)
Thanks to the other people who posted to help us newbies out.
Guest (0)
19207 2001-09-25 12:00:00 linux .... easy huh ??!!! Guest (0)
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