I found this:
"RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) is a file format used by Mandriva to install software. These files are also called "packages". To install software, just search and install it using the graphical tool provided with Mandriva, called rpmdrake - found in Mandriva Control Center as "install software", or System / Configuration / Packaging / Install Software on the system menu. You can also browse the web, download the RPM and double-click on it. It is not recommended to use an RPM package unless it is listed as being compatible with the exact version of Mandriva you use (do not use packages designed for other Linux distributions, or for a different version of Mandriva).
Some RPMs need other ones. These are referred to as dependencies. Mandriva has improved the RPM system in order to automatically install all needed dependencies if you use the recommended tools (rpmdrake or urpmi). "
http://club.mandriva.com/xwiki/bin/KB/Newbies#What+is+a+RPM%3F
Thanks. I've been by the RPM Drake. It seemed it only installed (optional) software from the three Linux disks. I will revisit it and see how it looks on the internet for Mandriva compatible software.