./configure command

[Mike McCarty]

Boris Glawe wrote:
> Joao Paulo Pires wrote:
> 
>> Hi Cameron,
>> Thanks for your answer.
>> I'm a end user for FC4. The real problem I have is each time I want 
>> try some program from CDs ou DVDs from magazines, they advise to 
>> install with './configure' and 'make install'. Is there any other 
>> possibility?
>> TIA, Joao.
>> _
> 
> 
> 
> Never do this, though it is recommended. With the final comman "make 

"Never" is a very big word. There are quite a few bits of software
which are not provided via RPMs.

> install" you might probably overwrite existing files which are neede by 
> other applications.

Q: What is there about RPM which guarantees that this won't happen?
A: Nothing.

> With fedora you have the command yum. This command connects to the 
> internet and automatically fetches rpm packages from mirror servers.

Yes, for those packages which are available in that way. Not all are.

[snip]

>  From now on you can at any time run commands like
> 
> yum install xine*
> 
> which will install all packages for the xine videoplayer.

Please tell me where I can get a copy of GCC built as a
cross-compiler for my new-fangled GRZ-BLATT 923 microcontroller
available as a RPM.

Certainly, for those packages which are available as RPMs it
is preferable to use those. But in the case where one needs
a package which is not supplied in RPM form, or when one
is trying to find/repair a defect in software and is adding
some debugging code, what you suggest is not feasible.

Or do you propose to offer a tutorial on how to make an RPM
without using the development tools?

Mike
-- 
p="p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}";main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}
This message made from 100% recycled bits.
You have found the bank of Larn.
I can explain it for you, but I can't understand it for you.
I speak only for myself, and I am unanimous in that!