installing linux libraries

[weenaak]

i'm a noob to linux, i just installed mandrake 9.2
i tried to install a program (from the consol, is there an easier way to install something?) and it said i needed a library, so i downloaded the library, and i followed the intall directions, but it just wont work.

there has to be an easier way to install stuff than typing ./configure and such commands in the consol. otherwise, what's the point of having a gui?

please help. thanks.

 

[MindNumbingOblivion]

It all depends on which libs. For instance, glibc is typically included as a package that has scripts and such that take care of installation when you go through the install of the system. It is also possible (and necessary, on older linux versions) to compile, make, link, etc. from command line after the base install is done. Google for the organization page that puts out the software lib, see if it has a gui based installer.