b=21581 too long file / path names for old tar

Instruct automake to use tar's ustar format to prevent errors when
pathnames are longer than 99 chars.
- this requires automake >= 1.9, so adjust accordingly
  - including dealing with multiple versions of automake installed
Per andreas' inspection, provide a hint to the user on how to install
a missing automake or autoconf.
Per mjmac's inspection, give Debian users help on how to install
software.
- note that I am *assuming" that Debian's lsb distribution id is "Debian"

i=adilger
i=mjmac

Issue: LU-47
Signed-off-by: Brian J. Murrell <brian@whamcloud.com>
Change-Id: Ica6419196d2a6910824e8f2326537d9b46612c15