Installing libraries

[LiveWyre]

im trying to install the library "libpcap" or something on mandrake 8.1 (kernel 2.4.x) . Its in the tar format, and other than untarring the file i don't know what to do. It doesn't come with a readme and i can't find information this specific of information on the web so I thought i'd come to you guys. Hopefully you can direct me on where i can learn or tell me how to install libraries. Thanks in advance

[pbharris]

hello,
if you don't wish to use a RPM the see if there is a makefile and type make in the same directory as where you untared it. hopefully something will happen - if not can you let us know what is in the contents of the tar file?

[ph34r]

For all but "end of line" software (like games) you will probably be better off in the long run using RPMS if you use a system built on them (like Mandrake is), especially if you are installing libs that something else you want to install will depend on (and complain about the lack thereof), etc.. You can find just about anything you like in rpm format at www.rpmfind.net.