Linux Installations?

[B3gbie]

Still a newbie, albeit an older newbie, I do have some issues.

When downloading linux software, I have found that (other than rpm which Mandrake 9.2 supports) there are a number of file extensions and methods for installing software. These seem to include .bin, .tar.gz, .sh and so on. Is there a generic guide somewhere that specifies exactly what to do with these files to get them installed? Also, is there an equivalent to windows installshield-style installations?

I'm still worrying about virus' etc too, although I am aware there is a much lower risk than with Windows, I'd like to get some protection (pref realtime a-la norton etc) for both my day to day use, in depth scans and mailbox. Is there a product that does all of these things (and comes as an rpm file if possible)?

Also, I've heard that I need to compile my kernal for Linux to be optimised for my machine, do the distributions do this on installation nowadays or is this still an issue?

Thanks guys, I'll stop asking stupid questions soon I promise (I am improving -honest).

 

[tsunam]

Thanks guys, I'll stop asking stupid questions soon I promise (I am improving -honest).

No such thing as a stupid question .

As far as antivirus protection in linux...ehh, maybe avg will work, I'm not really sure about free anti virus programs for linux. Mostly because i don't botherto worry about them.

Depending on the type of cpu and the particular os your chosing, you do have the ability to have a customized form for it. The amd's are a prime example. A lot of distro's no have a intel line and a amd line. Partially because of the 64 processor but thats a minor point. The distro your using will help us know if its a manual thing or not.

As far as the formats go, tar and bz are easy to take care of its a tar and whatever the particular format is. As far as bin's they tend to be images ripped from cd's that need to be mounted or put on a cd for you to be able to install (at least thats from the windows side).

 

[Whiteskin]

And for the kernel bit... Best bet is to learn to recompile, even if you dont need to. First, it will give you the experiance, second it will speed up your computer (Depending of course upon the initial speed of your computer.)

Take a look at this new kernel howto. It is the sucessor to the old Kernel_HOWTO from TLDP. From what i saw (Just glanced over it), it looks well done, and complete. http://www.digitalhermit.com/~kwan/kernel.html

 

[comprookie20]

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45094 try this,david
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73436 and this,david