Hello,
I was wondering if anyone can help me with this problem. I recently started using a Linux distro (Antix) as my main operating system. I am a total noob when it comes to using Linux. I have used Inkscape before in Windows and everything worked. When I tried to download it and use it in Antix I took the option of saving to desktop. Whenever I click the icon on the desktop it just opens a window that shows a list of files and folders relating to Inkscape. What do I have to do to get the program up and running on a Linux OS? Somebody help me please.

When I tried to download it and use it in Antix I took the option of saving to desktop.

I do not understand that bit. Did you download a .deb package maybe or perhaps the source code as a 'tarball' something.tar.gz

It should work if you install using synaptic, down in the preferences section I think.

This is an AntiX VM using debian testing repo, so might not be exactly the same as your installation.
There are some dependencies, but synaptic should pick these up and install along with Inkscape.

screenshot: http://i.imgur.com/r9MT8ag.jpg


I would try starting from a terminal and see if there are any error messages, nothing shows here.
You might need to logout/log back in for the menu item to show.
It starts from the menu as well.

screenshot. http://i.imgur.com/RXR8K7p.jpg

edit: any problems installing packages and I recommend the AntiX forum.

I'm a noob with linux too but maybe a simple portable version could do the trick.

Getting a bit off topic here but

The way *nix packaging works with dependencies and files scattered about makes 'portable' not so easy.

however there are some:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/portable/files/ AFAIK these are all 32 bit and tend to be old-ish. There is an Inkscape there, never tried it.

AntiX is a very lightweight linux disto and not so easy for beginners. It was one time based on Mepis, then moved more mainstream and is now based on regular Debian.

I used Mepis for a number of years, one of the best installers for newcomers to linux, and a good user forum.

Three years ago I moved to PClinuxOS, which is a 'rolling' distro. Very like Mepis, has a good installer, but since it is rolling, needs a bit of maintenance, not for everyone.

As with everything, there is a learning curve.

If your distro is based on debian you should be able to install inkscape by opening a terminal and typing
sudo apt-get install inkscape

If this fails because of dependencies try
sudo apt-get install -f