Extract, Compile, and Install Anything in Linux
From time to time every Linux user will run across a program that does not come in a nice packaged DEB or RPM. Often in the form of a tar.gz, tgz, tar.bz, tar, gz, tar.bz2 or tbz2 format. This is how you can make use of them. Remember to have a compiler installed and any dependencys for the software you installing.
Extract
To uncompress your file run the following command that applies to your extension.
$ tar -zxvf file.tgz
$ tar -jxvf file.tar.bz
$ tar -xvf file.tar
$ gunzip file.gz
$ tar jxf file.tar.bz2
$ tar jxf file.tbz2
Compile
Often software will come with a readme or install file that should give you instructions on how to install it and any required dependencys as well as how use it. It will probaly say the same I have here, or something similar. Once you extract the source, cd into the newly created directory.
$ cd path-to-software/
Now as root configure the software, this sets up the software and compiler for your system.
# make
Install
Okay, now for the last and simplist step, the install.
Everything should have gone well, enjoy your new software!