I'm sorry but I have to say something. It is not true that Linux is hard or that it is difficult to install.

Linux is different from other OS, that is all. People need to be aware that when they install a Linux distribution, they may not get all that they need in order to get their software working.

Linux distributions come in many flavors, so when you install Linux, specially as a newbie, you should make sure you install EVERYTHING on the disk. I you are short on space, tough! That is the only way, otherwise you will run into all kind of problems.

To run or execute a program under Linux such as gnutella, you have two options: One is to run the program from Shell (terminal) or via the desktop, but to do this you need to install an icon on your desktop. Mind you that Linux does not place the program on your desktop menu.

All executable files in Linux are kept in a dir called /usr/bin and the icon looks like a gear. To execute them just type the name or do this: ./application . That is (./) is the way to execute a program.

RPMs are packed files kind of like Zip, they have to be made specifically for your distribution or it wont work (i.e Red Hat 8 or 9)

The other way is by dowloading the sources or a file that ends with tar.gz. You unpack by typing tar -xzvf and the name of the file. Then you go to the dir, that is usually the first part of the name of the file, and then you run the following commands under a shell.

./configure (this looks at your set up and builds the files necesarry to install the system) if you get an error, simply read the errors, that will tell you what files are missing from your system.)

After getting an ok in configure run:

Make (this will build the installation file)

Make Install (this will install the files)

You are set (pretty much)

Always read the files README and INSTALL

they are in the directory where you unpacked the files and they contain all the information you need.

This is pretty much standart for all Linux software installation and it is pretty easy. Once you do it a couple of times it is easy.

To install the file on your desktop, just right click your mouse and do an add link to application. It is that easy. Click on the icon and select one that you like. Place the name of the executable file in the command section.

That is it. The program should run.

Hope this carifies some of the myths behind Linux. It is actually a great system and not that user unfriendly. No guruz are needed to run applications. Don't let it scare you.