Which directory should I use

[carljenkins]

I hope this is the right place to put this thread.

I am using fedora and continually just install things from /home/me I know there is a bettrer way than this.

I read some read hat guides on the FHS but it really didn't say this is where you install applications for everyday use.

Should I use /usr/local to install packages on my system or is there another directory that linux prefers?

[pickarooney]

Depends on the type of application. Are you compiling or using RPMs?

[thaddaeus]

for slack i use
/usr/src for the main source code
/etc/"program name" for all configuration files
as for where programs install i let them install where they want and find em later but most en up in /usr/local or /etc

[mdwatts]

http://justlinux.com/nhf/Filesystems/Directory_Navigation.html

Make sure you read the section on /usr/local.

[carljenkins]

I usually use rpm's but I have used the tar.gz on occassion. I don't compile much as I am still new to linux so I guess I still fear the unknown.

Thaks for the link i'll read that tonight.

[mdwatts]

With installing from rpm packages, you have no choice over where everything is installed as it's preconfigured in the rpm package.

But with compiling from source, you can specify where to install by using

./configure --prefix=/path/to/install

[arn0ld]

Originally posted by carljenkins
I usually use rpm's but I have used the tar.gz on occassion. I don't compile much as I am still new to linux so I guess I still fear the unknown.


I am old to UNIX/Linux and I only compile (other than the kernel) if I can not find a sutable RPM. There is a great deal more value to rpm than installing.