Linux Newbie Needs Help

Self

[Born Conservative]

Excuse the vanity, but I finally took the Linux plunge, and am having a difficult time with some tasks that probably should be easy.

Specifically, I am having a hard time installing Java. I have the file in my home folder. My OS is PCLinuxOS. Can someone point me to an easy to understand tutorial? I tried the OS's website, and the documentation is incomplete (as I found out AFTER I installed it. I did see one website that showed YUM, which seems easier to install programs through, but as I said, I'm a bit lost.

On the positive side, I figured out how to reconfigure my sound card! Thanks.

[Born Conservative]

Ping

[dan1123]

You tried to download a file for installation? Shouldn’t you go through the system’s package manager?

Configuration -> Packaging -> Synaptic Software Manager according to the website should get you to all the packages available to install.

[KayEyeDoubleDee]

I am having a hard time installing...

And now you are beginning to understand why Microsoft still dominates the desktop.

[darkwing104]

OK...What version/flavor of Linux are you using?

[webschooner]

IBAF (In Before Apple Fanboys)
... to tell you you should just buy a Mac, an iphone and an ipod, and if you have any money left, go get a cup of ‘spensive joe at Starbucks to celebrate your nowness and kewlness.

P.S. I don’t own a Mac — we have several machines with XP, which works great for us. Just funning ya. Good luck!

[AFreeBird]

No, he's just used to the M$ way of doing things. Linux can do things in a very "similar" way. He's just not up on the process - yet.

The main method would be to use your system's (software/application) package manger for installing and uninstalling applications.

Which is not to say that you can't install programs without it, you can. That is usually done for an applications where you are compiling from source though.

[Born Conservative]

Yes, it was a “self extracting” file.

[darkwing104]

If it is the Latest Version of PCLinuxOS, Java is already on the distro disk...

[Born Conservative]

PCLinuxOS, not sure where to look to find the version..

[dan1123]

And now you are beginning to understand why Microsoft still dominates the desktop.

It's actually really easy to do a Java installation in Linux if you know where to click. Microsoft just has a different way of doing things. Microsoft also has a slew of very annoying interface (and API) quirks that make things more difficult for a new user (but most people don't know anything else).

[dan1123]

Yes, it was a “self extracting” file.

So you used Synaptic to install it already? It should already be installed. You might need to log out and log in for certain applications to find it.

[AFreeBird]

It might be on his Distro, but might not have been checked for install by default.

[darkwing104]

Check your menus for software installation. Select Java and follow the instructions. I am giving general directions because I don't have specific details on the OS you are using.

You should be able to find it on either Gnome or KDE menus. The fun part of Linux is the learning process.

[Born Conservative]

When I go to “configure your computer”, I don’t see anything related to “packaging”. I get PCLinuxOS control center, and a list which includes sharing, groupware, online admin, boot, hardware, mount points, network and internet, security, and system. How do I get to the package manager?

[Born Conservative]

Hmmm, I installed from a Live CD, which is an .iso image....

[darkwing104]

Look for the Control Center. The Software setup (Synaptic) is there. It will allow you to install Java from the distro disk.

Good Luck

[dan1123]

See the information here: http://oldwiki.mypclinuxos.com/QuickStartSynaptic

[Born Conservative]

The fun part of Linux is the learning process.

Hence, one of the reasons I installed it; it's a challenge....

[darkwing104]

Hmmm, I installed from a Live CD, which is an .iso image....

I am guessing it's the 2007 version. It's there, according to it's homepage.