Most modern distributions are based on RPM packages. In an RPM-based system, it is preferred to install software via RPM, if available. Note, however, that the package you are installing should match your distribution. To find packages for your distribution, use rpmfind.net which lets you search for packages based on package name, or a file included in the package. If you are a RedHat user, you might also want to look at http://atrpms.physik.fu-berlin.de/ or http://dag.wieers.com/home-made/apt/ - two RPM repositories managed to make your life, as a user, easier.
The RPM system is designed to make software work correctly by the use of dependencies. RPM automatically detects and reports conflicts, asking you to download and install additional packages to satisfy package dependencies.
To install a package, issue the command rpm -Uvh packagename.rpm, for example:
[root@localhost alon]# rpm -Uvh foobar-1.0-3mdk.i586.rpm
Preparing... ########################################### [100%]
1:foobar ########################################### [100%]
[root@localhost alon]#
On a Mandrake system, you can check and satisfy dependencies by using urpmi - the Mandrake package tool. To install, simply type urpmi packagename, for example:
[root@localhost alon]# urpmi locales-ru
Please insert the medium named "disc 1 Download Edition Installation CD (x86)
(cdrom1)" on device [/dev/scsi/host0/bus0/target0/lun0/cd]
Press Enter when it's done...
installing /mnt/cdrom/Mandrake/RPMS/locales-ru-2.3.1.2-8mdk.i586.rpm
Preparing... ##################################################
locales-ru ##################################################
[root@localhost alon]#
To uninstall, use rpm -e packagename. For example:
[root@localhost alon]# rpm -e locales-ruOriginally written by
[root@localhost alon]#