RH 9.0 software location problem

Hello,
I am a little bit new to Linux environments (RH 9.0). I was installing a few rpms like Adobe Acrobat, Real Player, etc. and it seems that there is no specific location were all these softwares install. I would like to go to some directory and run it with a clik of the mouse! Also I want to put shorcuts to these programs on the desktop or program menu.........

I prefer to run these programs from the shell but I really do not know how to do it.

Thanks guys for some help!

Ahhh a common problem.. and one we're currently dealing with in a document called "linux for newbies". Its not finished yet, but if you drop me an email address (PM it to me) then I can send you the draft which will help you alot.

Basically unlike windows which installs all of a programs files to a directory named after the program, linux installs files in directories based on their function... meaning all executable files for all programs go in one directory meant for executables (binary) files. All help files go for all programs go to a directory meant for help files etc etc

usually all the programs you install will go to /usr/bin but how do you know what the executable file name is right ?!? So do this -- go to a terminal, and type apropos <program name> for example apropos acrobat
It will tell you what programs have something to do with acrobat.. so it may tell you something like
acrobat - Adobe Acrobat for reading and printing pdf files

then you can just locate the executable "acrobat" by typing "locate acrobat" and you will see what directory it is in.

This may sound complicated to you because you dont know what all the directories do, after a while you will realise where the files will go and that you can change the location. Making shortcuts etc is also very easy.

Remember user binaries : /usr/bin, or /usr/local/bin, system binaries
/sbin.

Lemme know if you want that document or wanna wait till we put it up on the site (which should take about a week, its about 90% done, I'm just waiting for some contributions from Chris)

Thanks Sahirh!
My e-mail address is Cruguer_2000@yahoo.com
Thanks for the advice and I will let you know how everything goes...