I'm just getting started on linux for the first time. I'm trying to install kopete, but I get this error when I run the "./configure": checking for libXext... no configure: error: We need a working libXext to proceed. Since configure can't find it itself, we stop here assuming that make wouldn't find them either. I do, however, have these files: /usr/X11R6/lib/libXext.so.6 /usr/X11R6/lib/libXext.so.6.4 I haven't been able to find any helpful information on how to fix this problem, so if anyone could help me, it would be great.

unless you have encountered a problem, you should be using a compiled rpm file http://rpmfind.net/linux/RPM/ or http://rpm.pbone.net/

You may have the libXext libraries but in order to compile something that requires them (and other shared resources) you often have to have the development libraries installed, sometimes the kernel soruce too (eg if you are compiling a module for your kernel). During installation you are normally given an option as to whether to install development stuff or not....to save hassle with future compiles just say yes. As for fixing your problem, rather than trying to find and install all the requirements, do as Dlonra says and grab an RPM....I'd be surprised if kopete is not included on one of the mandrake installation CDs. To install it: # rpm -ivh /mnt/cdrom/path/to/kopete.rpm

Yes, Kopete is included, but the version that is included is too old I think, and I can't get MSN to work on it. So I was trying to install the newer version. I've tried to find an rpm of a newer version of kopete (I have version 0.8.4) but I haven't found any. I also think it requires KDE 3.4, and I have KDE 3.2.3.... how would I go about updating that?

Your best bet with mandrake is to use urpmi. Create a config file here: http://easyurpmi.zarb.org/ You can then easily install an application and all dependencies and upgrades are downloaded and installed automatically for you.