Help: Logging in to virtual terminal

[Ben Hill <ben@serosoft.com>]

Hi,

I'm trying to set up Debian on my PowerBook G4, but can't log into a 
virtual terminal. The X settings aren't correct, so I'd like to drop 
into the console to edit XF86Config-4.

I'm getting a virtual terminal login, but when I log in, it hangs 
before giving me a prompt. How can I get the bash shell prompt?

Cheers,

Ben