Putting It Together
Refer to the diagram. As you can see, the lowest level is your physical hardware resources (including memory). Above that is the HAL, or the Hardware Abstraction Layer. Traditionally, this includes low-level drivers, BIOS, and even jumpers and switches. Above that is the kernel. Above the kernel is the BASH and X interfaces. Above BASH and X are both direct user input and hosted applications.
Installing Software
Now, I am sure that you were smart and chose the “install everything” option on your Linux installation CD. However, you may find that from time to time there is a new, exciting piece of software. Most of the software you will use comes as binaries. To install binaries, simply download the package, double click it, and press “Install.”
Compiling Software
Actually, compiling software is pretty simple. Here are the three steps:
[Sheneanae@Localhost]$ ./configure
[Sheneanae@Localhost]$ make
[Sheneanae@Localhost]$ make install
Now run your software.
What About Shortcuts?
Obviously, the designers of KDE and Gnome saw a need to make easy-access shortcuts, and it is simple to do so. Right click where you want to place a shortcut (including your desktop and “start” menu) and press “Create Shortcut.” Locate your program (remember, most programs are found in the /usr/bin directory) and you should be set.
What’s Next?
The final guide in this series will be next. It will focus on specific software, as well as patching your installation and customizing your system’s settings.
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