Very Computer

How can I install packages that I forgot to install with the Red Hat
7.1 installation?

Here's my problem:
Various pieces of Red Hat keep saying that I am missing a file and
that it needs to be installed with a certain package (namely most of
the Kontrol Panel).  But I have been unsuccessful at finding where
this is done.  I am still a newbie with Linux, but I would assume that
there should be an "Add/Remove Programs" equivalent with Linux.

Please help!

This situation is common if you do not do the 'install everything' during
installation.  However, this is not a big problem.  I'm going to be a
little cursory here, since you should be able to find ample online
assistance at various sites.

RedHat uses rpm (RedHat Package Manager) format for it's binary packages.  
The equiv. in Winworld is when you download a .exe package from a download
site.  The installation method is not very similar.  An rpm is typically
what is called a binary install, meaning the files are simply going to be
placed into the appropriate directory.  There are some command-line
switches which may be invoked, but it is not necessary most of the time.

If you place cd1 into your cd-rom, you will probably be prompted for the
root passworrd, after this gnorpm will start.  Click install and choose
packages which are not installed.  From there, you may browse and install
packages when needed.  One caveat is that if you highlight a package and
install, you must unhighlight before choosing another or you will get an
error saying that package whatever is already installed.  Once an rpm is
installed, you may use it, you do not have to restart the PC.

I prefer to use the command-line for installing a removing rpm's, because
it is much faster.  Here are a couple examples.

rpm -Uhv packagename.rpm
        -U upgrades and installs if a prior version is not present
        -h gives hash marks denoting the progress
        -v be verbose with any messages

rpm -e packagename
        -e erase or uninstall

Notice with the -e option, you only specify the name of the package not an
rpm file.  After an rpm is installed, you may browse to it in gnorpm or
kpackage and view which files were installed.  The executible file is
usually listed near the top somewhere.  If it's a seperate app you are
installing like an mp3 player or whatever, the file to invoke the program
will probably be in /urs/bin or /usr/X11R6/bin.

Please look at the following locations for information.

man rpm
linuxdoc.org
www.redhat.com
www.rpm.org
docs which came with RedHat

Todd Jones

As mentioned, you can install rpms at the command line or using the
GNOME fron end.  However, if you want to install quite a lot of stuff
it may be worth booting into the install program from your CD.  Select
'upgrade' and then check the box that says 'select individual
packages'.  This is *extremely* lazy but you can rest assured that
package dependencies will be identified and satisfied and Anaconda
will automate everything thereafter for you while you go and have a
cup of tea.