i had a question concerning installation.

let me note im new to linux and the only program i have got
working is an AMSN clone for linux, which works perfectly i
was so proud to get it working and running. anyhow...

I downloaded the appropiate tar.gz file. i extracted it
succesfully.

i read the enclosed help file that said how to install it.

all the main files are located on my root drive ( im always
running in root)  but every time i try to  run the program
by typing  " ./programname  it says permission denied... and
im on root but it still wont work. just says permission denied?
how the hell do i run this program?
im also using the GUI... redhat 7.1