Often if a Linux program encounters an error it will appear to just quit without reporting any message. However, many error messages that are generated are not returned to the GUI (graphic user interface).

To see the error you need to run the program from the terminal. This is done by starting a terminal program such as rxvt or urxvt and typing the name of the programs executable or binary file. The terminal is case-sensitive, most programs use all lowercase, for example abiword or inkscapelite. Note, closing the terminal window will also close any program launched from it.

Here is an example of InkLite Inkscape lite return an error on exit:

A typical error is a missing library when the program loads up. When reporting a program error on a forum for help high-light the error message and use the middle mouse button to paste into the web-browser.