DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

DIGIT-ARC / Software / Open Source

how to run programs in linux?

2 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/how-to-run-programs-in-linux.4019/

S
striker_1909 Original post #1
Dec 25, 2004 at 7:45 PM
dear friends,

I am new to linux . I want to run thunderbird mail client, firefox browser etc on linux. But after uncompressing i am just left with a folder with files.

I want to know how to run the program .

Kindly help

Regards,
Atul
U
ujjwal #2
Dec 25, 2004 at 9:28 PM
To run an executable file in linux, browse to its directory and type ./filename

So if the file is firefox-installer, run

./firefox-installer

from the directory you uncompressed it into.

If it works, then fine.

---------------

If what you have after uncompressing is the source files (you will generally have files called Makefile and configure in the directory) you should follow the instructions provided.

Supposing there is a file called INSTALL which has the installation instructions, run

vi INSTALL

or use your favourite text editor.

Generally, the following steps are involved -

./configure
make
make install