Hi! I dont understand the command "make distclean". I have read that the command removes the files that `configure' created and that binaries and object files are removed. But doesnt that pretty much mean that I uninstall software off my computer?? The reason why I want to run this command is because im trying to install "kqemu" (qemu accelerator) and in the installation instructions on RedHat 9 versions of Linux (Im running fedora 6) I have to go to /usr/src/linux-vvv and type "make distclean". Wouldnt this "harm" the computer?? Im kind of a newbee so any help on my issue us appriciated!! Matte matte85

I don't believe it actually uninstalls your programs, from the little that I know about Linux - it essentially does what the "make clean" command does but it goes further by also cleaning out all directories in preparation for a new distribution release. If you use Windows, I think this function is akin to what its Installer CleanUp Utility does. Hopefully one of the more experienced Linux users will correct me, if this assertion of mine turns out to be completely unfounded. How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

For additional help, I 'Googled' for 'make distclean' and got: This link. The important paragraph is as follows: If you type `make distclean', then make not only removes the same files as does `make clean' but also the `TAGS', `Makefile', and `config.status' files. (Although it is not evident, this makefile (and `config.status') is generated by the user with the configure program, which is provided in the tar distribution, but is not shown here.) make does its work only on files included in the programs source code directory tree. So if you put the kqemu source code in ~/kqemu, you will switch to ~/kqemu to build the program, and make will operate only on files in or under ~/kqemu. The paragraph above describes which files in the source code tree will be affected. HTH, Ernie Registered Linux User 247790 ICQ 41060744