[SOLVED]Cannot install programs

Question

I really need help.
I'm getting very upset with myself as I can't install any application. I've tried the Wiki and AUR with no luck.
I'm using LXDE with PCManfm
I need to install some kind of text editor and hopefully a torrent client.
I don't know how to search the community repository effectively as the wiki has very little information on it. When I use pacman -Ss package, the result scrolls so fast, that I only get the last screenful.
If I use <SHIFT>+<PageUp>, I can only go maybe 3 screens up before I run out of 'history'.
Is there a way of pausing (waiting for a keypress) for listings like this (ls and dir as well)?
I've tried AUR and downloaded rtorrent but it won't install no matter how I use pacman -U, either as root or user.
How can I list and find applications that can be installed?
What exact syntax should I use to install downloaded tar.gz files?
Where do I get them from? Why is this so hard?
Last edited by H.Delbrook (2008-11-08 10:27:05)

Answer 1

Thanks for your reply(s).
I'm NOT giving up and I will make a perfectly functional Archlinux system. That's why I chose it, to learn. Most other distros are 'set and forget' and that wasn't for me.
Unfortunately, I'm learning about the filesystems, permissions, root/user and a pile of other stuff at the same time!
Also there were lots of problems that I solved without resorting to this forum. I only used this when something obvious just didn't work.
For example: Apps with ncurses base doesn't appear on a menu/desktop? That's a bit much to expect for a newbie to know.
As for the Wiki - There should have been a link or a quick explanation of how to use nano to alter rc.conf. I'll do it if no-one else does.
In case you're interested:
+ Setup static ip, gateway etc np! - although the worked example in the Beginner's Guide using 'banana' needs a newbie comment.
* I struck the pacman update issue very early on that caused errors updating /extra. Fixed that.
* Audio installed but no sound - Fixed by installing alsa-oss
* Errors on X11 (font path issues) - still unresolved but I've a working Lxde which I stuffed up and currently looking for a fix. (minimized windows just 'disappear' ' - I need to revert the taskbar panel to default and the config file I found on Lxde's wiki, copied and pasted into global config just made me lose my folder icons.
* No Cdrom in the filemanager? Fixed by installing HAL
+ Firefox 3.0.0.3-1 runs well
+ installed Java (Jre), Flash 10 and some extensions
+ Transmission-glt is working
+ Leafpad is working (and doesn't get installed with lxde which should be mentioned in the wiki)
+ OO3 downloaded last night (I've only got a 128k connection). It's very good.
* I can get to root while the desktop is up through a terminal, but can't get a new workspace! Lxde's Alt-F1, F2, F3 happen to remap Archlinux Alt-Fn keys. <sigh>
Frustrating bits:
Did you know that you have to press 'Q' to exit a man page? I had to swap workspaces to finish the install. Then I searched the net until I found an old 'how to' on manpages!
I'm operating the system OK, but I fear that I'm generally doing things the long way and the wrong way. I want to be able to fast-track that aspect somehow.
To Do:
I need to connect to my printer/scanner/server on a Windows XP network. Do I do this manually or via samba?
Thanks
Hans