Very Computer

I am trying to compile a program like windowmaker for the first time I
am reletivley new to Linux and I figure I have to stop using RPM as a
crutch, and when do make I get either one of two things gcc cannot
create executables and or I am missing a whole bunch of headers.

thanks in advance

thank you

: I am trying to compile a program like windowmaker for the first time I
: am reletivley new to Linux and I figure I have to stop using RPM as a
: crutch, and when do make I get either one of two things gcc cannot
: create executables and or I am missing a whole bunch of headers.

As you've found out, RPM (or .deb) is incredibly useful to get a
system up and running, but has some long-term disadvantages.  One
useful step in weaning yourself off is to use SRPM packages.
Those are the versions with extension .src.rpm (instead of .i386.rpm,
or whatever).   When you "install" them, you get (usually) several
files created under /usr/src/redhat/SOURCES/:

   -- one or more .tar.gz (or .Z) files.  This is the original source
      archive
   -- one or more patch file.  These can be applied to the aforementioned
      source archive to "RedHat-ise" it, using the "patch" utility.
   -- possibly, some extra documentation or example files

Having all those components allows you to study the source, modify
things like installation locations, and yet still get the benefit of
the patches intended to make the package install correctly on most
Red Hat-type systems.  So, you get most of the advantages of binary
RPMs, plus most of those from using source "tarballs" (archives),
including compilation against your own libs.

If you're indeed missing a number of headers, this probably indicates
that you're missing the related libraries.  Next time you reinstall
Linux, you might want to make a point of installing all available
libs, except those you're absolutely sure you'll not be needing.  I
find this to be a good policy.

Nope.  This is Usenet.  You find the replies here, because people
send them here to benefit others as well as you.  With DejaNews
available, nobody has an excuse for needing personally-delivered
copies, any more.

--
Cheers,                 "Heedless of grammar, they all cried 'It's him!'"
Rick Moen                       -- R.H Barham, _Misadventure at Margate_