The k8055 require libusb-0.1.9 or newer and kernel 2.4.18 or never. install: # make all # make install update ld.so.conf with "/usr/local/lib" if not there or run env-update at gentoo systems uninstall: # make uninstall Check out the Makefile for all different make rules... User access to the k8055 device: read comments in velleman.rules Using the k8055 library: in the program file "#include <k8055.h>" and compile with -lk8055 and -lusb, e.g gcc -lusb -lk8055 main.c -o k8055_rocks Python part Python makes use of SWIG interface language, for setup and install see http://www.swig.org There might be a prepared package for your distribution, use emerge swig, apt-get install swig, urpmi swig, rpm -Uvh swig_package Or whatever your favorite distribution provides. Then, from the library source directory: # make pylib You can then run the python programs from within the pyk8055 directory For global install, run as root: # make pyinstall This should install your package in the proper site-package dircetory globally accessible for the python interpreter