noob questions

[Brian Fahrlander]

On Sat, 2004-10-16 at 18:53, A A wrote:
> hi all
> 
> first of all i need to introduce myself a bit. not only am i a new
> user of Fedora Core 2, i am a newly converted linux user. (i'm sure
> there have been many windoze rants posted here so i won't add to them)

    Considerate AND smart enough to evolve.  You'll go far!  :>

> i have never had an easier install of any operating system, period. i
> got tired of ME's glitches.

    I think we all have.  Some, more than others.

> my computer is a Toshiba Satellite 1730. (ya i know no extreme gaming
> for me)
> 
> ok now to the questions:
> is there an online/downloadable .pdf for the Core 2 Fedora operating
> system? (it would definitely stop alot of my noob questions)

    Not really; most problems are solved by Google; enter the message
you're getting and see if that's enough of a clue to take care of it. If
you run out of ideas, post here.  It'd also speed things up if you join
the local Linux User Group.

    There are also HOWTOs online for doing various things.  You can
learn a lot from them; everyone does.  These are HTML-accessed, you'll
need no special software.

> how do i install downloadable .rpm files?
> i was following some directions pretty good to get Xine (i managed to
> download all the files) however when the directions mentioned that i
> must be in root i got lost. also what location must the files be
> loaded to so i may use the commands in the terminal?

    RPMS are another evolution of a good idea (tarballs), but it's
really just the core of the software maintenance plan.  Think of RPMs as
the 'atomic unit' of software.  Not only are the 'tarballs' installed
there, but installation scripts and things to ensure package integrity.

    THIS IS NOT INSTALLSHIELD. When you install RPMs, files only get
over-written if you use "--force" (so, don't!) and when you remove
something, nothing is left behind to keep working, like you're used to.
When it's in, it's in.  When it's out, it's out.  Best yet? They're
designed by people who understand that particular package. And that's a
very powerful thing. It's kinda like the author installing it for you.
And if something goes bad, you can _write_ that author, you won't have
to wait for a megacorporation to decide it's worth their investment to
release a Service Pack. <HINT, HINT>

    But RPMs are installed best with yum or apt.  These programs search
the repositories you specify to find any other needed software, and
install the RPMs for you.  It's just another improvement on legacy
software.  And, there are howtos on that, too, as well as a site called
fedora.redhat.com where you can find a FAQ and links to other sites.  

    (If you get stuck, drop me a line.  But remember I work third shift)

> i got loads more questions but don't want to flood the list just yet
> :)

    Not a problem.  While you can pose some of the most technially
challenging problems and they're accepted with a smile, the group
expects you to at least take a stab at it, first.  Don't ask unless
you've seen Google, at least.

    You might consider getting onto ICQ/AOL/etc; sometimes all you need
is a couple of sentences of support to get you on your way.

    Enjoy!

-- 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian Fahrländer                  Christian, Conservative, and Technomad
Evansville, IN                                 http://www.fahrlander.net
ICQ 5119262
AIM: WheelDweller
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