Program Files --Newbie 2

[iXPhound]

Hi again all:

I am trying to figure out Linux so I am affraid I am asking some dumb questions. What is the folder that is considered the "Program Files" of Red Hat Linux? What is a common folder I should use to install programs? Thanks so much for your help and patience!!!

 

[Squadcar7]

Usually, there are a few, but it depends what type of program you have. Most of the commands are stored in /usr/bin and /usr/local. I'm afraid that there are a lot of different distributions, and it kind of varies from area to area. I, too, have only been working with linux for a little over six months, so I'm not a very reliable source. My suggestion is to let the program install wherever it defaults to.

 

[DumTech]

Right... There isn't a 'Program Files' folder as in Windows, where each application will make a directory for its installation and put most everything there. In the Unix world, there's a handy directory structure that's fairly standard. So install scripts will often put the binaries for new software in /usr/bin or /usr/local/bin, while libraries will go into /usr/lib, config files may go into /etc or /usr/etc.

Unfortunately, just how everything is installed in that structure isn't standardized. BSD's do it one way, this distro another way, and that distro yet another way. Starting out, the best thing is probably what Squadcar7 suggested - go with the default!

Just found this, which looks like an interesting look at the subject while also giving a look at the filesystem structure:

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article.php?sid=4121

It can tough getting started (I'm only now approaching my 1 year Linux anniversary - ), but keep reading and asking questions...you'll get the hang of it.
Matt
matt@paperlove.org
If I can help, I will.