RE: Installing Programs on Linux

Jason Green · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 10:03 AM

Hi WAB'ers,

I have been unsuccessfully trying to install two applications on a Linux NetBook, OS Linux Linpus Lite

One contains about 1,500 files with no obvious Setup file and another is called an installer but with no file extension. I've tried double-clicking it but it doesn't respond.

I've never used Linux before so it's all completely new to me.

Please help!!!

Take care,

Jason

mbaldw · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 11:32 AM

Hi Jason,

I'm just about to give Linux (Ubuntu) a go on one of my laptops, so I've been reading about O/S quite a bit recently. As you've already established, installing software isn't as simple as it is in XP, where you just run an EXE. Check out post 7 on this thread. Which software are you trying to install?

Cheers,
Marc.

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 11:39 AM

Gimp, it's an image editor with a name that obviously means something...

Thanks

Jim Ford · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 01:54 PM

Try making the installer executable by saying on a command line:
chmod a+x installer (or whatever the installer file is called).

It should then be executable with:
./installer or from a GUI by double clicking on the icon.

I'm not familiar with 'Linpus Lite' but most modern Linux systems have an easy way of installing software, often as easy or easier (eg Ubuntu and variants) than Windows systems.

Jim

Jim Ford · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbaldw

Hi Jason,

I'm just about to give Linux (Ubuntu) a go on one of my laptops, so I've been reading about O/S quite a bit recently. As you've already established, installing software isn't as simple as it is in XP.

Oh yes it is!

With Ubuntu, go to System->Administration->Synaptic Package Manager, click the package you want installed and it gets downloaded and installed automatically. Once it's installed, any updates are notified and installed - again automatically.

Jim

Jason Green · #6 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 02:59 PM

Hi,

Just to explain, I'm using anAcer Aspire One Netbook, running the Linpus Lite OS. It's smaller than a laptop with an 8.9in screen, so about the same size as a DVD Player.

The problem is I can't find any file in the compressed folder that would be an Installation folder.

Another thing is the touchpad: Yes it's good enough, but I would prefer to use a Notebook's mouse - only I can't find many that support Linux; yet on a forum one poster said most mice work, Linux stated or not!!! So, would a USB mouse stating Windows and Mac compatibility generally work with Linux or not?

Take care,

Jason

eeyore · #7 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Gimp, it's an image editor with a name that obviously means something...

Thanks

It stands for Gnu Image Manipulation Programme (becauses its makers are Gnu Soft) - you do however need to be really careful if you google for it

When you do get it uploaded you will find that it is really good , but if you have used photoshop before it will be confusing because the interface is completely different.

I cant help with the linux issues as i stay away from the dreaded penguin and have only used the Windows version of GIMP