Linux Tips

While "apt-get" and "aptitude" are fast ways of installing programs/packages, you can also use the Synaptic Package Manager (System -> Administration -> Synaptic Manager), a GUI method for installing programs/packages. Most (but not all) programs/packages available with apt-get install will also be available from the Synaptic Package Manager. This is the preferred method for most desktop users. In this guide, when you see sudo apt-get install package you can simply search for package in Synaptic and install it that way. System -> Administration -> Synaptic Package Manager Search for the name of the program/package. You can also search for a word in its description. Check the box "Mark for Installation" Click the "Apply" button. The selected program(s) will be automatically installed, along with its dependencies. Add/Remove Programs Not all packages available from apt-get, aptitude, and Synaptic Package Manager are available...

Make sure you have all the necessary development tools (i.e. libraries, compilers, headers): sudo apt-get install build-essential sudo apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r` Note: "uname -r" lists the current kernel you are using Extract the archive that contains the source files: tar xvf sourcefilesarchive .tar.gz Build the package using the package's script (in this case the configure script), compile the package (make), and install the compiled package into your system (make install): cd /path/to/extracted/sourcefiles ./configure sudo make sudo make install Note: typing ./ before a filename in the current folder allows the Linux shell to try and execute the file as an application even if it is not in the path (the set of folders which it searches when you type a command name). If you get a "permission denied" error, the file is not marked as being executable. To fix this: sudo chmod +x filename Example: In the above instructions, configure is th...