Re: newbie to Linux (Debian).

[Andreas Janssen <andreas.janssen@bigfoot.com>]

Hello

Frank J Bivings (<fjbivings@adelphia.net>) wrote:

> I am a complete newbie to Linux (Debian). I thought it would be a
> good way to get around the glut of Windows.
> 
> I am having problems with the graphics card. I installed Debian
> Linux 3.0 and, during the install I included XFree86.
> 
> Upon booting it I get an error stating that:
> 
> "I cannot start the Xserver (your graphical interface), it is
> likely that it is not setup correctly. Would you like to view
> the Xserver output to diagnose the problem?". If I reply YES I
> get a blank window with only the option to hit OK. If I reply NO
> to get a new start to enter username & password. It then says
> "username@sysname:~$" , and then hangs because I don't know
> where to go from there. My only choice is Ctl+Alt+del., and get
> back in Windows XP.

It is not hanging. It is waiting for you to log in.

> During the install I had to hunt down Xfree86, on the CD, but it,
> supposedly, installed with no apparent problems. I have searched
> the documents for a way to get any further but can find none.
> I figured there to be some problems with the OS but this is
> ridiculous.

apt-get install x-window-system-core

will install the necessary packages. Next you need some kind of
windowmanager or desktop environment, e.g.

apt-get install menu icewm xdm
or
apt-get install menu kde kdm

To rerun the configuration program, call

dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86

If you need more help, tell us about
- your graphic card
- the screen and device sections of /etc/X11/XF86Config-4
- the lines beginning with (EE) and the last 10-15 lines of 
  /var/log/XFreee86.0.log

best regards
        Andreas Janssen

-- 
Andreas Janssen <andreas.janssen@bigfoot.com>
PGP-Key-ID: 0xDC801674
Registered Linux User #267976
http://www.andreas-janssen.de/debian-tipps.html