it's been over a year since I really started heavily using linux in daily life. I don't own a windows license anymore and I only use linux now, more specifically, I mainly use Debian GNU/Linux. I've noticed that a lot of people have their program available for download as something called a "tar ball" but I have no idea what to do with a tar ball... I mean, I'm completely lost... what do I do? how do I install a program that is tar? and also, what is a tar ball exactly? is it a form of compression or is it packaging for installation? I'm so lost here... please help me^^