xterm window hangs system

["eric k. wolven" <wyrdwulf@catskill.net>]

I'm new to Debian.

When I open xterm (or any x-shell) in wmaker my system hangs.  Can't
switch consoles, ctrl-alt-delete or ctrl-alt-bksp gets no response.  I
have to manually re-boot (re-set).

have slink installed from "Official Debian CD"

What am I missing?

Thanks.

Eric