[newbie] compiling problem

[Eric Weichmann]

I've been downloading some things in gzip and tar formatts.  I can get them to
install the files that are waiting to be compiled fine.  the problem is, when 
i type in the command "./configure", it goes through and starts compiling or
whatever, but then it gets to a part where it says:  "Checking whether the C++
compiler (g++ -s) works...  no
Configure: error: installation or configuration problem: C++ compiler cannot
create executables."

I opened up the config.log, and it said:
ld: cannot open crtbegin.o: Nosuch file or directory
configure: failed program was:

#line 1371 "configure"
#include "confdefs.h"

Thanks, 

Eric Weichmann