Hello. I am in the process of learning how to use Linux and use it as a server...How do I install programs? Also, where can I find a good website where it will teach me how to use Linux? How much easier would using something like VNC make running a server? Thanks

Hi everyone,

The best source for documentation would usually be the official website of the software.

If you use RedHat, you may want to try http://www.redhat.com for documentation. You may also want to visit your local bookstore, and see if they may have some books that will be of interest to you.

Installing software is usually done via the command prompt (unless you run X-Windows) - RedHat offers RPM's which are prepackaged software that installs easily.

if you have a distro capable of using RPM files then installations are easy.

simply visit

http://www.rpmfind.net/

and search fir the rpm

once you find it then you can simply right click the rpm file and choose "copy shortcut"

goto your terminal session to the server and ensure you are logged on as a user with appropriate permissions, and type the following command:

rpm -i <paste shortcut here>

this will install the package you require.

some programs require compilation, these files normally arrive in "file.tar.gz" files, the procedure to install these is as follows:

wget www.website.com/file.tar.gz
gunzip file.tar.gz
tar xvf file.tar
cd <directory it just unzipped to>
then read the README file
then read the INSTALL file
follow instructions !!


(dont forget linux is case sensitive) !!!!!

good luck

Wow! Thank you both! That is very helpful. Do you know if it is possible to use the Smart Hosting Tools Controller and Webmin on the same server? Thanks