> Uninstall the xdm package. Then X won't startup on boot. Isn't this a bit too much? You could also just remove the xdm startup script, just in case you would like to start xdm sometimes. Hilary, Why would you want to close X? You can also switch to a virtual terminal from X at any time using <alt>-<ctrl>-F1 to F6 (there are six virtual terminals at default). Bart