Hi,
If your package is as *.rpm file, you need not issue 'make'. Find out where the insallation is by 'locate' and using file find utility in GUI and then run the program. The documetation for installed *.rpm files by default will be in /usr/share/doc/ folder.
If you have unpacked *.tar.gz file, go to that newly created folder in the terminal by 'cd [directory path]' command and then, in the terminal give these commands. As I told, this instruction will be in the 'INSTALL' file.
#./configure
#make (I am sorry, this is not capital 'M', small letter 'm')
#make install
After this you can start the program with the instruction given in /doc sub folder within this folder.
Nice time.