From: lien@lysator.liu.se (Jan Lien) Subject: gcc install doc Date: 7 Sep 1992 21:25:11 GMT
Regarding the gcc install files. I have read the README, as well as
all releasenotes, and the FAQ. Most of the contents seem directed
to unix gurus, and treats mainly compiler options or if it is ANSI
compliant. I just want a gcc so I can compile and install programs
I find in the archives, and maybe later on adjust programs I have
slightly. A C compiler seems to be essential on a unix system,
that's why I want it. I might get the fortran to c converter,
because I have written short programs in fortran before. I am NOT a
programmer. I DO NOT know C. I do not have the time to learn all
about C now. If I cannot get gcc to work without much perspiration, I
will just kick it out - and never learn or use C... Most of the
people who have replied to me have just said "read the README!". But
the README does NOT answer the questions I have - if it does, please
point i out to me, and I will apologize for my stupidity.
By the way, I managed to boot and install linux without much trouble.
I managed to get mtools on line, and after that emacs, and ka9q.
Thanks to all those kind souls who provided those packages,
especially to Jim Winstead, as I had very few problems in that
installation! This should mean I am not a completely stupid asshole?
What the gcc README does not tell me:
- does not give me any information on what to do about the fact that
linux truncates filenames longer than 14 characters. The install
script does not seem to complain about it, when I tested it, now.
But there should definetly be a remark there about this.
- where files will end up (new directories, plus most important what
files go into existing directories).
- how to uninstall gcc
- what procedures the install script actually performs: simply
untar all archives, or does it do something else?
- does the install script actually check that all files are where
they should, that it works?
- I don't understand the final remarks in the install file.
Please get rid of all the -"nostdinc -I" from the Makefiles in
kernel sources and then do a fresh "make dep".
What is -nostdinc ??? make dep on my linux just gives me
make: command not found
- where I find gdb
- where and how do I find a "make" to install
- what do I have to do if I decide to move my kernel source to
another directory
I do not want to have to become a unix guru just to use linux.
Then I could as well do something productive, like program an old IBM
360 with punch cards :-)
This was not a flame, just a comment. I appreciate that HJ has spent
effort on the gcc compiler. I simply didn't get it working anyway.
I volunteer to improve the install doc, IF AND ONLY IF, I get to the
point that understand (or think I understand) how it works.