Installing GNOME

[bob58]

Could someone help me with this? I downloaded what I assume is a GNOME desktop package. It has been unzipped into its own folder. Here is what the contents looks like:

root@Home:/home/knoppix/tmp# cd gnome-desktop-2.6.0.1
root@Home:/home/knoppix/tmp/gnome-desktop-2.6.0.1# ls
AUTHORS Makefile.in config.sub gnome-version.xml man
COPYING NEWS configure gnome-version.xml.in.in missing
COPYING-DOCS README configure.in install-sh mkinstalldirs
COPYING.LIB acconfig.h desktop-docs intltool-extract.in pixmaps
ChangeLog acinclude.m4 desktop-links intltool-merge.in po
HACKING aclocal.m4 gnome-about intltool-update.in stamp-h.in
INSTALL config.guess gnome-desktop.spec libgnome-desktop xmldocs.make
Makefile.am config.h.in gnome-desktop.spec.in ltmain.sh
root@Home:/home/knoppix/tmp/gnome-desktop-2.6.0.1#

I have no clue how to install this. The "instructions" are so archaic and hard to figure out. I read alot in the apt-get tutorial but thats confusing too. It seems that installing programs is one of the hardest things about linux for me. I have been typing in some commands at console to install this program but I get only errors. If I do a regular apt-get upgrade, update & install for gnome, i get nothing but the same error. something about a broken package and it will not install, so I downloaded this file from the GNOME website. The README and INSTALL files tell me pretty much nothing at all! Please help! I would like to try out GNOME to see if i like it. bob

[Cuddles]

Bob58,

I am not sure why you are going about the "source code" method...
My "usual" method is to do the following:

apt-get update
apt-cache search [something]
apt-get -u install [package]

-=-

Having already ran "apt-get update" to -refresh- my local "database", on my system, of available packages in the outside world, I then did a "apt-cache search gnome" - then scrolled through the "tons" of packages that were listed, and upon finding the "package" I was looking for... To be precise, "gnome", I then did a "apt-get -u install gnome"

For refference, "-u" tells apt-get to give suggestions, and recommendations, of "extra" packages you might want... The output of the "apt-get -u install gnome" command is below:

root@Polaris:/usr/sbin# apt-get -u install gnome
Reading Package Lists... Done
Building Dependency Tree... Done
The following extra packages will be installed:
  abiword-common abiword-gnome acme bluefish bonobo-activation bug-buddy
  dia-common dia-gnome dia-libs docbook docbook-dsssl docbook-xml docbook-xsl
  eog epiphany-browser esound evolution fam file-roller gcalctool gconf-editor
  gedit gnome-about gnome-applets gnome-control-center gnome-core
  gnome-desktop-data gnome-desktop-environment gnome-doc-tools gnome-games
  gnome-games-data gnome-gv gnome-icon-theme gnome-media gnome-office
  gnome-panel gnome-panel-data gnome-session gnome-system-monitor
  gnome-terminal gnome-themes gnome-themes-common gnome-themes-extras
  gnome-utils gnome2-user-guide gpdf gstreamer-audiofile gstreamer-flac
  gstreamer-gconf gstreamer-gnomevfs gstreamer-mad gstreamer-misc
  gstreamer-oss gstreamer-plugin-apps gstreamer-plugin-libs gstreamer-tools
  gstreamer-vorbis gtk2-engines-crux gtk2-engines-industrial
  gtk2-engines-lighthouseblue gtk2-engines-pixbuf gtk2-engines-redmond95
  gtk2-engines-smooth gtk2-engines-spherecrystal gtk2-engines-thinice
  gtkhtml3.0 gucharmap jade libasn1-6-heimdal libbonobo-activation4 libeel2-2
  libeel2-data libenchant1 libfribidi0 libgail-common libgail17 libgal2.0-5
  libgal2.0-common libgdkcardimage0 libgnome-desktop-2 libgnome-pilot2
  libgssapi1-heimdal libgstreamer0.6-0 libgtkhtml2-0 libgtkhtml3.0-2
  libgtksourceview-common libgtksourceview1.0-0 libgtop2 libgucharmap3
  libkrb-1-kerberos4kth libkrb5-17-heimdal liblinc1 libmetacity0 libmyspell3
  libnautilus2-2 libncurses5 libncurses5-dev libpanel-applet2-0 libpisync0
  libpq3 libroken16-kerberos4kth librsvg2-2 librsvg2-common libscrollkeeper0
  libsoup2.0-0 libsp1 libtasn1-2 libvte-common libvte4 libwnck-common libwnck4
  libxml2 libzvt2.0-0 metacity nautilus nautilus-cd-burner nautilus-data
  nautilus-media netspeed planner python-gtk2 python2.3-gtk2 python2.3-numeric
  rhythmbox scrollkeeper sgml-base sgml-data sodipodi synaptic xml-core yelp
  zenity
Suggested packages:
  abiword-plugins abiword-plugins-gnome abiword-doc weblint psgml sp jadetex
  docbook-dsssl-doc apache httpd docbook-doc gnome-spell unrar acpid xearth
  esound-clients gnome-audio gnome-help gdm gnome-system-tools gnome-help-data
  gmc xsu gtk-engines-pixmap gtk-engines-redmond95 gnome-pilot postgresql-doc
  postgresql-client medusa nautilus-suggested python-numeric-tutorial
  sgml-base-doc perlsgml doc-html-w3 opensp osp libgnome2-perl apt-watch
Recommended packages:
  abiword abiword-help abiword-gtk xfonts-abi dia gnome-pilot-conduits
  gnome-mag gnopernicus gok gnome-accessibility-themes gnucash
  gtk-engines-industrial gstreamer-plugins gtk-smooth-themes nautilus-gtkhtml
  desktop-base gnome-vfs-extras2
The following NEW packages will be installed:
  abiword-common abiword-gnome acme bluefish bonobo-activation bug-buddy
  dia-common dia-gnome dia-libs docbook docbook-dsssl docbook-xml docbook-xsl
  eog epiphany-browser esound evolution fam file-roller gcalctool gconf-editor
  gedit gnome gnome-about gnome-applets gnome-control-center gnome-core
  gnome-desktop-data gnome-desktop-environment gnome-doc-tools gnome-games
  gnome-games-data gnome-gv gnome-icon-theme gnome-media gnome-office
  gnome-panel gnome-panel-data gnome-session gnome-system-monitor
  gnome-terminal gnome-themes gnome-themes-common gnome-themes-extras
  gnome-utils gnome2-user-guide gpdf gstreamer-audiofile gstreamer-flac
  gstreamer-gconf gstreamer-gnomevfs gstreamer-mad gstreamer-misc
  gstreamer-oss gstreamer-plugin-apps gstreamer-plugin-libs gstreamer-tools
  gstreamer-vorbis gtk2-engines-crux gtk2-engines-industrial
  gtk2-engines-lighthouseblue gtk2-engines-pixbuf gtk2-engines-redmond95
  gtk2-engines-smooth gtk2-engines-spherecrystal gtk2-engines-thinice
  gtkhtml3.0 gucharmap jade libasn1-6-heimdal libbonobo-activation4 libeel2-2
  libeel2-data libenchant1 libfribidi0 libgail-common libgail17 libgal2.0-5
  libgal2.0-common libgdkcardimage0 libgnome-desktop-2 libgnome-pilot2
  libgssapi1-heimdal libgstreamer0.6-0 libgtkhtml2-0 libgtkhtml3.0-2
  libgtksourceview-common libgtksourceview1.0-0 libgtop2 libgucharmap3
  libkrb-1-kerberos4kth libkrb5-17-heimdal liblinc1 libmetacity0 libmyspell3
  libnautilus2-2 libpanel-applet2-0 libpisync0 libpq3 libroken16-kerberos4kth
  librsvg2-2 librsvg2-common libscrollkeeper0 libsoup2.0-0 libsp1 libtasn1-2
  libvte-common libvte4 libwnck-common libwnck4 libzvt2.0-0 metacity nautilus
  nautilus-cd-burner nautilus-data nautilus-media netspeed planner python-gtk2
  python2.3-gtk2 python2.3-numeric rhythmbox scrollkeeper sgml-base sgml-data
  sodipodi synaptic xml-core yelp zenity
The following packages will be upgraded:
  libncurses5 libncurses5-dev libxml2
3 upgraded, 130 newly installed, 0 to remove and 261 not upgraded.
Need to get 79.6MB of archives.
After unpacking 277MB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue? [Y/n]

I don't know about you Bob58, but I sure don't want to install them one-by-one, or to have to compile all of those myself, one-by-one

If you didn't try the "apt-get" method above already, I'd scrub your "download/compile" directories, and do the apt-get -=- I've never used GNome, nor have I installed it, so, I am not speaking from a "Gnome" background here, just from the "apt-get install" one.

From what I know, and from many here, who have told me...

Installing from "source code" is the "last ditch" effort, it is hard, can be problematic, requires a person to manually get "everything", make it, compile it, and install it, hopefully, with luck, it works... Whereas, "apt-get install", pretty much, does "everything" for you...

On some occasion, the only way to get something, can be the "source code" way, and in those cases, I do it -=- reluctantly -=- For me, the "source code" method is likened to a Witch-Doctor practice, and Voo-Doo, you cast your spell, and hope you get a "Wellness" potion, instead of something that turns a bird into a duck-billed platapus [giggle]

Not sure about your "background" here, I couldn't "read" into your post, and querry, on your "linux" knowledge, so, if you are a "Guru" on this, sorry, don't flame me...

apt-get update -=- updates your local database of available packages out in the world...
apt-cache search [something] -=- will search through the above for [something] - and list the results - on the left is the "package name", and on the right is a small description of it...
apt-get install [package]
*** you can add "-u" before the install above to give more "extra" suggested, or recommended, packages...
*** you can add "-s" before the install above to run a "simulation" of the install - very useful if you want to view what, and all, that would happen, if you do want to install... Just remove the "-s" from the install line to "actually" install it...
*** [package] is the name of the package, or packages, you want to install - this would be the "left part" found in the "apt-cache search" listing...

Hope this helps Bob, just trying to help,
Cuddles

[bob58]

Hi...thanks for the help but no matter what I do, apt-get upgrade, update or install, I still get the same stupid error! If there is a problem with the gnome package why dont they fix it? I still get:

root@Home:/home/knoppix# apt-get install gnome
Reading Package Lists... Done
Building Dependency Tree... Done
Some packages could not be installed. This may mean that you have
requested an impossible situation or if you are using the unstable
distribution that some required packages have not yet been created
or been moved out of Incoming.

Since you only requested a single operation it is extremely likely that
the package is simply not installable and a bug report against
that package should be filed.
The following information may help to resolve the situation:

The following packages have unmet dependencies:
gnome: Depends: gnome-desktop-environment (= 47) but it is not going to be installed
E: Broken packages


It still always says there is a problem. I can't do as you suggested because I cannot obtain what i need in the first place!!!! It is impossible to apt-get GNOME cause there seems to be a problem with the package. What I dont understand is why someone doesnt fix it so we can download it!!!!

OK heres what i get when i do: apt-cache seach gnome:

gnome - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- extra components
gnome-about - The GNOME about box
gnome-accessibility-themes - accessibility themes for the GNOME 2 desktop
gnome-applets - Various applets for GNOME 2 panel - binaries files
gnome-applets-data - Various applets for GNOME 2 panel - data files
gnome-apt - graphical package manager
gnome-control-center - The GNOME Control Center for GNOME 2
gnome-core - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- essential components
gnome-core-devel - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- development components
gnome-cpufreq-applet - CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor applet for GNOME
gnome-desktop-data - Common files for GNOME 2 desktop apps
gnome-desktop-environment - The GNOME Desktop Environment
gnome-devel - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- development tools
gnome-fifth-toe - The GNOME Fifth Toe applications
gnome-games - games for the GNOME desktop
gnome-games-data - data files for the GNOME games
gnome-mag - a screen magnifier for the GNOME desktop
gnome-office - The GNOME Office suite
gnome-panel - Launch and/or dock GNOME 2 applications
gnome-panel-data - Common files for GNOME 2 panel
gnome-pilot - A GNOME applet for management of your Palm PDA
gnome-pim - calendar and address book for GNOME
gnome-pim-conduits - Palm synchronization for calendar and address book
gnome-pkg-tools - Tools for the Debian GNOME Packaging Team
gnome-session - The GNOME 2 Session Manager
gnome-sharp - a .NET binding for GNOME
gnome-sudo - dumb package to provide smooth upgrade to gksu
gnome-themes - official themes for the GNOME 2 desktop
gnome-vlc - GNOME frontend for VLC
gnome-volume-manager - GNOME daemon to auto-mount and manage media devices
gnomeicu - Gnome instant messaging software compatible with ICQ

So apparently I must have all these gnome files stored somewhere on my HD. So what would I have to do to get it to install? when i do apt-get -u install, i get that same damn message again like i pasted above. This is what is at my prompt, where i am when i do the apt-get:

root@Home:/home/knoppix#

Am I in the right place????? I dont understand how you were able to apt-get gnome with no error! Wow this is such a hassle! Well anything else you can suggest. I must be doing something wrong....bob

[bob58]

These are the results of my apt-cache search gnome, which i just edited the file and sdaved only the gnome items:

gnome - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- extra components
gnome-about - The GNOME about box
gnome-accessibility-themes - accessibility themes for the GNOME 2 desktop
gnome-applets - Various applets for GNOME 2 panel - binaries files
gnome-applets-data - Various applets for GNOME 2 panel - data files
gnome-control-center - The GNOME Control Center for GNOME 2
gnome-core - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- essential components
gnome-core-devel - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- development components
gnome-cpufreq-applet - CPU Frequency Scaling Monitor applet for GNOME
gnome-desktop-data - Common files for GNOME 2 desktop apps
gnome-desktop-environment - The GNOME Desktop Environment
gnome-devel - The GNOME Desktop Environment -- development tools
gnome-fifth-toe - The GNOME Fifth Toe applications
gnome-games - games for the GNOME desktop
gnome-games-data - data files for the GNOME games
gnome-mag - a screen magnifier for the GNOME desktop
gnome-office - The GNOME Office suite
gnome-panel - Launch and/or dock GNOME 2 applications
gnome-panel-data - Common files for GNOME 2 panel
gnome-pilot - A GNOME applet for management of your Palm PDA
gnome-pim - calendar and address book for GNOME
gnome-pim-conduits - Palm synchronization for calendar and address book
gnome-pkg-tools - Tools for the Debian GNOME Packaging Team
gnome-session - The GNOME 2 Session Manager
gnome-sharp - a .NET binding for GNOME
gnome-sudo - dumb package to provide smooth upgrade to gksu
gnome-themes - official themes for the GNOME 2 desktop
gnome-vlc - GNOME frontend for VLC
gnome-volume-manager - GNOME daemon to auto-mount and manage media devices
gnomeicu - Gnome instant messaging software compatible with ICQ

I cannot do apt-get -u install GNOME cause i keep getting that error....will it still work if i did apt-get -u install on all of them individually? I tested out a few and they seem to get ready to install without error.....

[Markus]

Try putting in a "-t unstable" to get the packages from unstable.
I tested it and it would have installed.

apt-get -s -u -t unstable install gnome

[Stephen]

I cannot do apt-get -u install GNOME cause i keep getting that error....will it still work if i did apt-get -u install on all of them individually? I tested out a few and they seem to get ready to install without error.....

Try apt-get -s -u install gnome gnome-desktop-environment=47 you can specify the exact version number you need with the = sign when installing remove the -s if the output looks promising to actually install.

[bob58]

Yes Markus was right...I typed in the -t unstable and it seemed to go right along with no problem....I restarted computer and there it was. I do have to work out some mior problems tho. But it does work. Thankd for the help gentlemen...bob