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When I download a program, it says "it's not an executable file". How can I get around this? I have Linux, recently installed.

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  • Last reply by justme088

justme088
justme088
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I would like to download a Google program, but when I try to open it, I get a message saying I can't because it is "not an executable file." The Google site says it now has SketchUp for Linux, but apparently my computer won't allow certain programs from other sites. I've had this message with many other programs I've tried to download and open.

I would like to download a Google program, but when I try to open it, I get a message saying I can't because it is "not an executable file." The Google site says it now has SketchUp for Linux, but apparently my computer won't allow certain programs from other sites. I've had this message with many other programs I've tried to download and open.

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cor-el
cor-el
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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Make sure that you have the executable flag set in the permissions of that file, otherwise you can't run that program (script). Easiest to do that is to use a File Manager like Krusader or Nautilus.

justme088
justme088 Question owner
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I don't know what or where an "executable flag" is, or where "the permissions for that file" are.

I have looked into every help I have, and the directions don't match what I have on my computer. I looked into Nautilus, but nothing there helps. I downloaded it to a laptop, but it looks horrible - nothing like the website shows.

I appreciate your help, tho'.