I’m in the process of trying to convert from Windows to Linux. I just started using Pidgin as a replacement for Windows Live Messenger. I want use the latest level (2.4.3) of Pidgin but this seems to be available only as a source package for OS 11. I have downloaded the source, unpacked it and found a huge number of files.
At my current state of knowledge I am overwhelmed by all this. I have no idea how to compile this package into an executable (the last time I compiled anything was under MFT on a 360/40 about 35 years ago!), nor how to install the executable.
Where do I go for a guidance document or two that will be specific to OS 11?. I’m sure the need to understand how to do this will become quite common for me as I try to make the transition from “them” to Linux.
>
> I’m in the process of trying to convert from Windows to Linux. I just
> started using Pidgin as a replacement for Windows Live Messenger. I
> want use the latest level (2.4.3) of Pidgin but this seems to be
> available only as a source package for OS 11. I have downloaded the
> source, unpacked it and found a huge number of files.
>
> At my current state of knowledge I am overwhelmed by all this. I have
> no idea how to compile this package into an executable (the last time
> I compiled anything was under MFT on a 360/40 about 35 years ago!),
> nor how to install the executable.
>
> Where do I go for a guidance document or two that will be specific to
> OS 11?. I’m sure the need to understand how to do this will become
> quite common for me as I try to make the transition from “them” to
> Linux.
>
>
Hi
2.4.3 is now available in the GNOME Community repository,
When a developer puts together a “source” package", one can usually find that as a “tar” package. There are standards for creating a “tar”, one of which is a guide for installing/compiling that package for folks like us to use
So, if one is starting from scratch, download the “tar” of that app; untar it; open the folder and look at the readme(s), install.txt, etc. One of the files there will list dependencies, etc,
Also, if I ever have trouble with an rpm, I 1st try to install it in a terminal with “rpm -ihv /path/packagename” (which will list dependency problems); if I still have problems. I generally download the tar and have a look and usually find my answer.
IMHO its far better to see if one can find an rpm packaged by someone else, as opposed to bang one’s head against the wall and custom compile. Snakedriver’s suggestion of the Webpin URL is a great URL to look for such pre-compiled rpm cases.
If you are insistent on playing around with compiling, and you want to become a member of the “big frustration and big dent in the front of the head group” (like the rest of us who are members) then you can take a read here: Compiling software - openSUSE
Also, the direction you take in this is tied to a lot of very top level structuring, so don’t forget about the openSUSE concepts guide that I think I pointed you to some time back: Concepts - openSUSE
Thanks to al of you who responded most helpfully to my request. There is obviously a lot for me to read, but I would prefer to start with an rpm before banging my head against the wall by attempting a compile. No doubt that will follow in due course when I find the right wall…
Honestly, the easiest way for a newcomer to work with packages is to use a package manager. Opensuse includes a fast, easy to use package manager that makes package installation a breeze.
This guide will visually walk you through the basics of getting your desktop going and includes info about the package manager.
