RE: Installing Programs on Linux

[Jason Green]

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]

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]

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

Thanks

[Jim Ford]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by eeyore

It stands for Gnu Image Manipulation Programme (becauses its makers are Gnu Soft)

OK, thanks. Wait, what does GNU stand for...

Originally Posted by eeyore

...you do however need to be really careful if you google for it

Why? Curious

Yes, I have used Photoshop but unfortunately I don't think I could get it on this NetBook, hence my interest in Gimp...

Thanks for your help, Eeyore

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

OK, thanks. Wait, what does GNU stand for...

It doesnt stand for anything - its a large canadian/scandanavian ungulate , not unlike a moose but a bit smaller.

[Jason Green]

Is it?! Oh, of course

Anyway, I've just bought a wireless, optical mouse compatible with Windows without even a mention of Mac or Linux - and it works!!

[mbaldw]

OK, thanks. Wait, what does GNU stand for...

As eeyore says, it doesn't actually "stand for" anything. According to their site:

" The name GNU was chosen following a hacker tradition, as a recursive acronym for “GNU's Not Unix.” "

Cheers,
Marc.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

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.

Hmm, I wouldn't think you could do much in the way of image manipulation with such a small screen, and probably limited memory.

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

Most user Linux binaries get installed in /usr/bin/

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?

It looks like 'Linpus Lite' is a cut down Linux. If it's built specifically for your Aspire One it may not have mouse support built into the kernal or as a module.

Jim

[Bucknallbear]

When ever I get stuck with linux I look here:

Open Source and Linux Forums

you can usually find the answer by searching without even having to ask a new question.

Most of the linux distributions have their own forum pages too which may be more specific.

Peter

[Jason Green]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it

Jim: Thankyou. The wireless, optical mouse works faultlessly, I was worried I'd bought it and it wasn't going to work but thankfully it does