OK I have been using linux to varying extents over the past 2 years primerily debian. I have just tried to install and use OpenBSD 3.7 on my computer and i think its sort of working but I'm lost.

First off I found the installation (although guided) made debian look easy (perhaps its just me experiance with debian). All i have done is run through the installation procedure covered here: OpenBSD 3.7 Installation Guide

my questions are:

1: I tried to run "startx". x seems to load but the mouse is not there and I'm at a complete loss where to go from here.

2: can someone point me to a guide to help idiots from here on (as all the others ive seen get me to this stage)

3: I used lynx to get the files off the openBSD website and managed to install nano (after installing a couple of other things first) with "pkg_add" is there a better way of adding programs (I'm used to synaptic/aptitude which manage dependencies)

I'm a total and feel lost

OpenBSD isn't all that newbie friendly, however they do have excellent documentation on the OpenBSD website. The best place to start of is reading through the FAQ. I assumed you installed using FAQ4.. now follow up with 5 for updating the system.. and keep going.. it will walk you through installing more packages and stuff.

OpenBSD isn't really intended to be a normal desktop though.. it's focused on security, auditability, and stability. As such, it doesn't have all that many packages available. If you are looking to get your feet wet in BSD, you may have better luck with FreeBSD.. it is my favorite choice.

If openBSD uses XORG you will have to do a xorgconfig from shell to set up your mouse

You can also use "X -configure" to autogenerate a sample xorg.conf in /root for testing.. it generally works well and is good at autodetecting your hardware. 'xorgconfig' can be a pain if you don't know all the exact settings for your stuff.

i had a hard time with freeBSD and i would like to try again is there a hot-to or walk-through for installing it and getting packages for it psssssssst and starting X

well.. the installation routine is extremely straighforward... but if yu need some guidance.. the handbook is pretty indispensable.

getting packages are as easy as "pkg_add -r xorg" or "pkg_add -r firefox" or whatnot..

to get X up and running you need to do a few things..

1: install X.... Xorg... and a window manager/desktop environment, such as KDE...

pkg_add -r kde
pkg_add -r xorg

2: Create a working xorg.conf file... I prefer to start with a working sample... "X -configure" will autogenerate a sample to /root/xorg.conf.new which you can test... if it works.. copy it to /etc/X11/xorg.conf.

3: Tell Xorg what you want to start... when you 'startx' by creating the ~/.xinitrc file that contains "exec startkde"

When this is completed, a simple 'startx' should get you up and running.

Excuse me, but no it's not. I can understand why many newbies are lost so very early on.

There's no clear path through the installation (start here, next, next, you're done). True, there is a "Standard Install" option in the first screen, but the correct procedure involves selecting "Exit" after every decision! It is not at all obvious what "the path" is, and when you're finally done -- you end up at the same screen you started at. No changes, not even a status message.

And even then, you are a far reach from having a graphical login that may be regarded as "newbie safe" (or just plain "inviting" to non-geeks). Yes, I've heard all the arguments saying you need to know (or learn) what you're doing. By no means do I disagree -- but learning to drive would also be needlessly more difficult if you can't even get the garage open.

I'm not saying this to bitch & moan (okay, I am, but not only therefore). I'm saying this because the install is the very first "Welcome" screen to new users. Many users yearn for that "safe" GUI login screen, and with BSD it's just a long way there. As soon as I have learned enough myself, that's the #1 project I'll be looking to improve.

amon:
This is what I did. I hope it helps:

Configuring Xorg & KDE (if you prefer Gnome, fiddle a bit with the Handbook)
1. Xorg -configure (Note the capital X!)
2. Xorg -config xorg.conf.new (Verify that you get an X display (gray hatch, nothing else) and exit using Ctrl-Alt-Backspace.)
3. cp xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf
4. xorgcfg -textmode (Follow the on-screen directions.)
5. echo "exec startkde" > /home/<your-user-name-here>/.xinitrc

Enabling KDE to start automatically
1. In /etc/ttys, change the ttyv8 line to:
* ttyv8 "/usr/local/bin/kdm -nodaemon" xterm on secure

Then, when you reboot, you should see KDE. From there, you can use Ctrl+Alt+F1 to toggle to the console, where you can login as root. To toggle back to X, use Ctrl+Alt+F9. Note that you probably can't login as root in KDE.

I agree with KlaymenDK - FreeBSD's install can't be described as easy or well-documented by any standard - had I not been helping my GF out every step of the way, she'd have given up on her FreeBSD within half an hour of trying it.

And even I'd have been in trouble in some places, had I not done a previous install myself.

The software works great, but the installation isn't easy for newbies, or well-documented. Sad, but true.

for just basic install of BSD it is easier than say gentoo about the same "ease" lack of better word but about the same as slackware. but after i install it thats where i gave up cause i was very very new to linux (unix) than but if i ever get pc up and running again i might go for it again and try your ideas thank you

I can recall having read on the OpenBSD site to the effect that "this is not for those new to BSD Unices and those only beginning to explore BSD might be better suited to FreeBSD. The documentation and install procedures are more user friendly and FreeBSD provides an excellent intro to the OS." After you wet your whistle so to speak you can return to OpenBSD and explore it's other features. (quotes mine, not word for word, but essence only). Hope this helps. All the best.

*shrug*

I thought it was pretty straight forward... but I read the handbook too. The first time I installed it(5.1) I had no problems.. and I had only been using Linux for a few months.. and that was only RH9 and SUSE 9. Granted, I didn't do any custom partitions or slices and whatnot.. but it's certainly much easier than OpenBSD ot NetBSD's installation IMHO...

I also don't believe that FreeBSD was ever geared towards being 'newbie friendly' or whatever you want to call it. For thos epurposes, there is DesktopBSD and PC-BSD.