The default compiler gcc is probably what you want.  You don't mention what software you're trying to build.  I had no problem building the Osmocom suite under my old Debian version, no extra libraries needed.  But: my understanding from somewhere is that this suite of programs (rtl_*) exists because some ARM machines like the Raspberry Pi couldn't handle Gnuradio. 

Gnuradio (http://www.gnuradio.org) is very versatile, bordering on confusing.  Part of it is the RTLSDR or Osmocom source from Osmocom which connects to the dongle.  Then you use the gunradio-companion to drag and drop different signal processing blocks onto a flow graph, the output of that is a Python program which hopefully does what you want.  Start at the gnuradio web site and follow the build guide.  Most of the work is getting the dependancies you need installed.  You don't need the parts for hardware you don't have. Makefiles come with various programs, but most of this uses cmake to build the actual makefiles.  Typically, you cd into the source directory, mkdir build, cd build, then "cmake ../".  Track down things missing/wrong, modify your cmake cache file to fix it up, then when you have no errors, do make and make install.  It works pretty well because

If you need sensitivity and freedom from spurious noises you might find the NooElec dongle isn't the best way to go.  Take a look at http://wavelab.homestead.com/HF_VHF_multi_index.html I bought a dozen of the MC13535 chips from http://www.futurlec.com for $1.20 each, plus the ceramic filters, crystals, etc.  If you don't need frequency agility they might work out well.  Futurlec isn't fast, but they have some good deals.   Alan   ----- Radio Astronomy - the ultimate DX >________________________________ > From: Wayne Sanders <wsanders(a)xplornet.com> >To: osmocom-sdr(a)lists.osmocom.org >Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 11:40 PM >Subject: any one brave enough to help a newbie with getting started with SDR > >Good day all >    I know that this may nor be the proper or correct place to request some basic assistance but  I will tempt the wrath of the few. >    First off has the packaging for Linux changed there are many more versions now compared to 24 years ago when I dabbled with it running a packet radio bbs.  It was Red Hat country then. Now ? >    Any way My questions are of the where to start kind. > >    Step 1 Have selected Ubuntu as the o/s  got it installed > >    step 2 need to know what form of compiler is needed. >        Worked 28 years ago with Borland's C++ > >    Step 3 what are the liberaies that I require and where may they >        be found. > >    Step 4 And of course a suitable Make File. > >    As all can see I am jut