Hello all. I'm a beginner, as of yesterday, at pd. I am also a not very advanced Linux user. Here lies my question/problem:

I am running a version of Linux called Vector linux, for which there are never any builds. The only source build I've (ever) managed was the vanilla version of Pd. I was wondering what it is that I am missing in terms of libraries etc., and how I can get hold of them and install them if needs be?

Thanks.
greg

Vanilla PD should have everything you need as a beginner, once you have learned more PD you will want to branch out into other externals. As far as externals what you want to get depends on your interests. Gem is a good place to start with visuals.

Hello. Thanks for th reply, thats what I thought. Just downloaded the Puckette book and I'm also going to have a look at the Loadbang manual when I get a chance. GEM does sound interesting though. Were I to download it, where would I save it? Or do you have to build it from source like pd? Thanks.

greg.

Personally I think puckett's book is really confusing for a beginner (its caused me to give up learning PD twice in past).

Try the free chapter available for download at
http://aspress.co.uk/ds/

and the Floss Manual
http://en.flossmanuals.net/puredata

as well as the loadbang book.

-Jon