Hiya, yes im new to all of this! But want to learn how to use Unix etc, iv been thinking about doin a course but desided im better off learning by my self with help from the people who really no what there doin...you guys!

I can install Linux, like redhat, mandrake, susie server edition and so on, but the word compile means nuffin to me, and i really want to know what im doin...how should i go about this? How did you guys learn?

thanks all!

Glad to hear that you are here to learn! Me too. Here is a great start. Perderabo (this sites main admin) has put together a library of sorts in the FAQ section. Check it out as it will answer many of your initial questions. Click Here!

you are learning on linux machine, you can avoid compile program instead install rpm program.

compile is a way of installing program from source, in this case you run ./configure
make
make install

I advice you to install rpm program first, before trying to compile program
you can install rpm program by issuing

rpm -Uvh "rpm file"

A good source of learning is through web silte, books and more important is handon pactice, commands

linux system Administration is a good book

Thanks google, i shall take a look at let you know how well it has helped

i have not got a clue what rpm is so i will have to leave that for now, like i said im very new but willing to learn, if you could explain rpm at all that would b great

RPM: revs per min

RPM stands for redhat package manager

you can read the man page for more information on rpm
issus man rpm

rpm program can be install on most linux machine such as redhat and Suse

wow, i didnt know that! see i learn sumthing new every day, thanks for you input hassan2