newbie question about installing software

[James Ferris <james_e_ferris yahoo ca>]

Hi list...
OKay, I'm a windows guy. I'm used to 'run the setup program'.

Where might I look to learn 'some' of the ways and means of
installing software for linux?
I've been hearing about rpm's and tar-files,
and have read the how-to's I could find. (not a lot of basics)
(only 1,670,000 hits on google - ack)
Unfortunately, I have not found a "how-to for dummies". LOL

I think I need something that describes what each install-type is,
why you'd use one before the other,
and then how to 'usually' go about doing each type of install.

Please help with simple, favorite suggestions!

Thanks for any help.
James
----------------------------------------------------------------------
JAMES E. FERRIS, B.Sc. Eng., MCSE
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780)473-6517
email: jeferris shaw ca
or: james_e_ferris yahoo ca
resume: http://members.shaw.ca/jeferris
links: http://members.shaw.ca/jeferris/links