Certainly there are many other applicatons on the additional CD's. Also, there are many files you will need for using KDE, Gnome or other desktops...along with audio players and such. In other words, I think you will see that you need at least 3 of the CD's to get a usable Mandrake installation. I would certainly install all four. I use Mandriva 2005 LE, the PowerPack edition, which has 6 CD's and I let the installation find all six of them. That doesn't mean everything is installed on the hard drive, but if I wish to add applications, at a later time, the installation can find and ask for the proper disk. I hope that helps. Mandriva is a very easy to use distro....I like it very much and have used version 10.1, 10.2 and the new 2005LE.
 
Also, welcome to the forum here. You will find lots of people willing to help you with any problems you encounter. Don't hesitate to ask!
 
Regards,
zenarcher

Thanks for the answer and welcome.
 
"I think you will see that you need at least 3 of the CD's to get a usable Mandrake installation. I would certainly install all four."
 
Ummm.. feeling a bit stoopid but how do I install all 4?
 
Is it a matter of copying the files from cd to the hard disk and then rebooting or is there some kind of installation wizard like windows?
 
Thanks

You are welcome for the help. When I started with Linux, I was at a complete loss, as I'd worked with Microsoft for many years and just couldn't get the MS way out of my head, so I could approach Linux with an open mind.
 
When you do your Mandrake install, you should get a screen, during the install process, which will tell you that the install has located four disks....As you proceed through the install process, you should be prompted to insert Disk 2, Disk 3, then Disk 4....before you finish the install process.
 
Now, later on, if you want to add programs from the Add Software menu, you will be prompted to insert different disks....and you will install your programs with ease.
 
Once you get that all going, you might ask again about adding other good applications, someone will be happy to direct you to the PLF website and explain how to add applications using URPMI, which is very easy to do. Also, you might want to check RPM Search website...checking only the box for your Mandrake version...and there are alot of RPM format programs you can install. If you stay with RPM's, it's as easy as click and install.
 
Regards,
zenarcher

ok i am new to this and i am not sure how to go about this but here goes. I am trying to install a tar.gz in the terminal in gnome. and i have come against a stainless steel wall with it. I have gone all over the net and other linux sites to find the answer myself and come to the place where i have to ask. everytime i try to -x it tells me this :
bash: -x: command not found
 
so now i am wondering if i can ever install a GNU...if you can please let me know and thank you ..... as it will sit there staring at me and laughing.
;(

You are making a syntax error when trying to untar the package, or are not at a terminal window as root user.
 
What exact package are you trying to install?
 

Quote:so now i am wondering if i can ever install a GNU 
You have no graphical interface right now? What distro and version of Linux do you have? Debian?