[smallblock]

I am sure my question shows you my current knowledge of Linux. I am running Fedora on a machine that was just given to me and am trying to learn more about this OS. Anyway, can some one point me in the direction of some instructions that will show me how to install additional apps on my machine? Thanks.

[The General]

Applications -> Add/Remove ?

[smallblock]

I will look for it. Thanks. I am used to being able to just click the file and have it auto installed. This is my first experience working with Linux.

[The General]

I believe that when you do that, there will be a list of lots of software, and when you choose to install it, it will automagically download it and install it. But if there is a program not on the list, then download the *.rpm file, and you should be able to just double click on it just like in Windows.

[horndude]

.rpm files are "redhat package manager" format, all they are is pre-compiled apps with all the needed libraries and anything else needed so the app will work

linux does not have a "registry" like windows, you can put an app anywhere, and they dont really get "installed" like in windows---however, linux will always look in /bin, /usr/bin, /usr/local/bin, or whatever directory your in to execute an app first then not look anywhere else unless told to do so

there are programs out there which will not only get the main executable for an app you want but also check to see if all the needed libraries are present and if not it will get those too-----the rpm package manager in Fedora just checks for them to be there, I dont think it goes and gets them too, but usually spits out an error message telling you what is missing-----debian and ubuntu for example use a version of an app made famous by gentoo which keeps an index of apps and what their dependencies are and then downloads whats needed and even compiles the app as well

if you download an .rpm file you should be able to just click it and then supply a root password when prompted and it will copy the files into the appropriate directories

whatever windows taught you, unlearn most of it cause it no longer applies