Apps :: Compiling applications

I am unable to use ./configure, make and make install to complile software. I suppose tcc does not work the same as gcc. Can anyone give me any pointers how to install tarballs on DSL?
My best regards
Jock

Try using the forums' search function, this has been answered a dozen times or more.

Short answer, look here

Thanks for the reply, I will use the search in future.
This apt-get debian system is pretty good, much easier than I expected.
Jock

Even easier if you use synaptic - a helpful gui front end for apt-get

original here.