UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I Know this is a really stupid question but if you can please expalin me.
I know how to compile a file in unix whith c++ but i dont know how to execute it.
I was expectin something like in windows that there will be created a *.rpm file or somethin like that (like *.exe in windows)
....

Anothere question i have an external modem (st electronix) that doesn't work whith mandrake
and on the modem information on linuxconfig it says
Kernel Unknown
May the problem be that i have old kernel file and if yes when can i download a new one (i think it is mandrake 8.0)

Should be pretty simple, file extensions are not required, so the compiled object of your C++ program will be something like myprogram to execute, make sure that the file permissions are set to allow execution (for example, if you do this command: chmod 111 myprogram , then everyone will be able to execute the file. To run it, simply enter myprogram at the command line!

Concerning the kernel:

you can always grab the latest Linux kernel (current stable version should be 2.4.18) from http://www.kernel.org/

There, you will also find detailed documentation on what to do with it. Be careful about it, and keep a backup of your current kernel and include it in LILO, in case your new kernel won't boot (I often had difficulties compiling working kernels on Mandrake)

Best is to use "make menuconfig" (provided you have libncurses installed), and read the help button for every kernel option.

EDIT: Another simple option would be to download the latest Mandrake ISOs (version 8.2 that is) and use their update feature.

HTH,
Lexx