Program install from CDROM -- new user

[philipg]

I have REDHAT 5.2 and the book Linux for Dummies, computer is a dual boot with win98.
I have the complete Linux set from the Linuxmall on order.

How do you get the CDROM to install something like netscape which is on CD. I can mount the drive and read it but why can't I load it. The file is comm451.tar, is the format not for linux?


Also there are multiple folders on the CDROM with the same comm451.tar file in them is there a difference between each of them.

I know learning is doing but I tried everything the book told me too, with no luck.

Please help.



[This message has been edited by philipg (edited 07-20-99).]

[verbalabuse]

If the file is in a tar format, you need to untar it before you can run the installation. I would try a command like:

tar -xfv <file name>

GNUtar is a packaging program. It allows you to take a program's file structure and pack it into one file. Untaring the packing will put all the files in the correct folders and build the directory structure.

The -x switch is to extract, the f is to force it to a local location (not really sure what this part is doing) and the v is verbose. That way it will tell you which files are being unpackaged and where they are being place.

Something else to look at is if the file is of the structure <thisfile.tar.gz>. The gz is a gzip identifier. This is a very efficient compression program. Many files come distributed this way. To gunzip something it is of the format:

gzip -dfv <filename>

-d for decompress, f for force, and v for verbose.

Good luck

[philipg]

Thanks for the syntax of the tar command, the book didn't even mention that command anywhere. i will try it when I get home tonight.

I have a new question:

How do you get Linux to see your modem or is it automatically detected. Do I have to mount it like everything else

I was able to configur the username and password and the dial-up number but I get no response from the modem. The modem is a PCTEL HSP 56k data/fac/voice micromodem. As far as I know its not a winmodem.

[This message has been edited by philipg (edited 07-21-99).]

[verbalabuse]

Ok. I am still struggling with the whole modem thing. I have yet to get it up and running. My problem is that I can connect, handshake, then it fails. Anyway, here are some things that I have found.

This is an "is my modem compatible" website:
http://www.o2.net/~gromitkc/19990616a.html

A good guide page, they do have a pretty clear how-to on ISP:
http://jgo.local.net/LinuxGuide/

Good luck getting this up and running. I am expecting to get an exteral 56K modem soon so I have put this project on hold.

[philipg]

Thank you for the links my Modem was in the list. The only list I've actually been able to find. oops.... you were able to find for me. I'm crushed to find out I have a winmodem.

I have another modem but its an ISA- USR 56K w/ x2, v.90 technology. I'm hoping its not a winmodem too.

I will have to pull it out and check the FCC # against that list you gave me and will get back to you on Linux if it works.

Thank again for the help.

[This message has been edited by philipg (edited 07-23-99).]

[philipg]

Well I'm writing back but the usr modem is also a winmodem but its not on that list. I guess I'll send a note to the operator of the site and get it posted for some other poor soul who bought it too.

[Gentle Giant]

I have ISA- USR 56K w/ x2, v.90 technology as well - try this modem setup place.
http://www.linuxnewbie.org/nhf/intel/modems/index.html