Linux, Suse, firefox (help)

Hey there!

I have a few questions for some Suse Linux users.
I have used Windows XP for a while now and I switched to Suse last week. I'm still a bit confused with the filesystem and software management (I'm used to the "add/remove program" feature from Windows) so here are a few questions:

#1- My Suse system (Gnome desktop) came bundled with firefox 1.0.6, are there security issues with this on Linux? should I upgrade to Firefox 1.5?
#2- I checked on Mozilla website for install instructions on Firefox, they just mention to unpack the .tar in a folder. First of all, where is the actual Firefox 1.0.6 install? and after I unpack the .tar, should I run firefox from there?

I mostly want to find out how to install new software on Linux, as for now, I love this Suse system. I just don't feel comfortable messing around with the file system and I needed some advice. I mostly use the graphic interface with Yast but i'm looking forward to learning the terminal.

Thanks for any help,
Regards,
Z

 

Yes you want to update the version of FF you are running on Suse. The best way to do this is check the Suse site for updates. Suse issued an update the 20th. Current version for Suse is 1.0.8.

If you want to run 1.5.0.2 you would have to untar FF to /opt/firefox and then create a launcher for FF installed in it's new location. To unintall the old version open a terminal issue the following commands:

rpm -qa|grep -i firefox This could take a few minutes, the package name will be displayed for the installed version of FF.

su

enter the root password

rpm -e <Package Name from above>

FF is now uninstalled

 

Thanks for the help Shadow_Puter_Dude, I thought I would be better off installing Firefox 1.5 but I'll go for 1.0.8 for now (Suse latest as you mentioned). Your help was appreciated, worked perfectly.

 

You're, welcome. Glad to help.