The simplest way to install software is to put the necessary binaries, libraries and configuration files in the expected locations. RedHat supports a sophisticated software installation method: RPM (RedHat Package Manager). Usually, root privilege is required, because the software locations are using system areas such as /usr/bin, /etc, etc.
Summary of command RPM usage:
e.g.
Installing licq-1.0.2-3.i386.rpm
rpm -ivh licq-1.0.2-3.i386.rpm
Upgrade emacs-20.7-34.i386.rpm if it is installed otherwise install it
rpm -Uvh licq-1.0.2-3.i386.rpm
Upgrade openssh-2.9p2-1.i386.rpm if it is installed
rpm -Fvh licq-1.0.2-3.i386.rpm
Check if the package apache is installed
rpm -q apache
Get information about the package vnc
rpm -qi vnc
Get list of files installed by the package vnc
rpm -ql vnc
Verify the package apmd is installed
rpm -V apmd