.rpm file install

[agentb159]

Ok I have Mandrake 8.2 and was wondering if i wanted to install a program i downloaded, do I use the .rpm file extension? Or do i download another file of the same program but with a different file extensions.

Also, when I goto install it, say using a .rpm file do i use the command line "rpm -i"? And do I enter that command line in the run command dialog box i can bring up from right clicking on the background?

This question might be very basic but I'm a newb to linux. As always any help is appreciated.

Alex

[pbharris]

rpm cheat sheet should help. i thoought mandrake had drakepackage or kpackage too...

you need to be root!

[agentb159]

pbharris
Ok I got that part as that you have to be logged in as root, but now here where i'm confused. Do I use "rpm -i" or "rpm-ivh"?

Again thanks for the help.

Alex

[pbharris]

ah - okay
rpm -ivh packagename.rpm should do it. ya need to be in the same directorty as the pacakge

[agentb159]

Okay, this may seem really stupid but, when u say u have to be in the same directory of the package u mean I have to have the directory open in which the package is to have it install?

Alex

[pbharris]

hello,
i am not really sire what you mean, the commands are for for a command line, i.e. in a terminal. You can use kpackage to install it if you prefer a GUI.

Lets say you downloaded the RPM to /home/alex/ and it is called techimo.rpm, you would do this:
become root
su - enter root password
cd /home/alex
rpm -ivh techimo.rpm

that would be about it.

[agentb159]

Oh ok thanks pbharris. I wasn't entering the cd command.

Thanks for the help.

Alex

[tarpat1]

Ok here's a dumb question... I know what the -i switch is what are v & h?