Configuring Software

After you’ve downloaded and uncompressed your new software, you’ll have to configure and tweak it to conform to your system. In general, the changes you’ll make will be things like

  • Adjusting path names (e.g., to install it into /home/yourid/bin rather than into /usr/local/bin, where you likely cannot install software).

  • Specifying what kind of Unix system you’re working on.

  • Inserting your email address and similar data.

  • Choosing one of two or three system-specific settings. What to choose for each system is clearly marked in the files you’ll be using.

If you’re installing a program that will be compiled, your steps will closely resemble these. If you’re installing a script, the steps will likely differ somewhat, but go ahead ...

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