Running Unix apps in OS X?

[loom001]

Ok I really need to take a step back here. i want to learn how to install and run linux/unix apps on my G4. I know about Fink, but that does not seem to work for me. Is there away to install and run these apps without Fink? Please keep in mind that I am completely new to OS X, and have limited knowledge of Linux/Unix. I would like to start from the ground up. I do have Xfree86 install already. So to keep it simple I would like to focus on Gaim. I think once I get one install and working I should be able to stumble through others. So any FAQ or web resource I should start at please let me know. Thanks for the help!

 

[symphonix]

Fink makes the process of installing Unix applications easier than the manual method. If you are having trouble with Fink, I would suggest checking the Fink documentation for help. I'd also suggest trying the FinkCommander program, which puts a GUI front end on Fink to make it a bit more comfortable for those of us who aren't Unix wizards.
Also, I think you might need to install the Apple Developer's Tools in order to get the compilers and so on.