Tar Install commands

[[email protected]]

it is rare that I do tar files. I am making a cheat sheet of commands and processes and I tried to do a tar install but had errors.
did the unpack ok

then tried ./configure  and go an error

what I have right now is
./configure
make
su
make install

I usually download all tar or rpm files to my home directory and then bring up a terminal and sign in as su and go from there.
any words of wisdom will be appreciated.
Larry.

[ghostdog74]

what's the error and how did you execute  your commands

[banjo67xxx]

did the unpack ok

then tried ./configure  and go an error

So you don't have any problem with tar then. You have a pre-compilation error with whatever software it is you are trying to install.

Try going to the help page on the site where you downloaded the software, or atleast tell us what it is in case one of us is familiar with it?