Debian 5.05 setup, HELP?
 

Hi I downloaded the first CD Image as instructed at http://www.debian.org/releases/stable/debian-installer/ and installed it on my laptop. I would like some help to install the "Synaptic Package Manager" and a mirror repository so that my system can update.
I have apparently installed " apt-cdrom add" and then typed "apt-get update" and I tried to install the mirror when the system was installed but as the wireless was not connected it apparently did not add the correct details.
I am sorry if my information is incorrect or misguided but I really want to try Debian and just need a little help to get me going.
Your Help is Much Appreciated, thank you

Copy/paste the following to the file /etc/apt/sources.list (as root)
Save the file, close the editor. Next, issue these commands, still as root:
The && dictates that each command is only executed if the previous one has finished successfully. The sequence: updating the package cache, completely upgrading your system to the latest versions of the installed software and install Synaptic. Let the machine finish.

It is wise to have a wired connection to the internet, at least until you've managed to get wireless working...

You said that wireless was not connected. Do you now have a working network connection (either wireless or wired)?

Evo2.

I have a wired connection, but I dont know how to change the file as a root user
I did this "Alt+F2" and typed "gedit /etc/apt/sources.list"
This didnt allow editing at the root level.

I also tried changing my user to a root privledge but it still rejected my attempts at root level file changing.

to become root, open a terminal and enter the following command:
You should then be prompted for the root password: type it and press enter.

Then, from the same terminal you can launch a text editor and edit and save the file.

Evo2.

I entered su -l in root terminal and then root password
then entered gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
it says the following
"cannot open display:
Run 'gedit --help' to see a full list of available command line options."

I also opened a terminal typed "su -l"-Entered Root password-then tried "gedit /etc/apt/sources.list" in the terminal, and it said "cannot open display: Run 'gedit --help' to see a full list of available command line options." I then tried "Alt+F2"-"gedit /etc/apt/sources.list" to see if the editor was root accesable but unfortunately it wasnt. Your patience and help is very much appreciate and I am open to further help please.
gedit --help options are not very helpful, just for your info

If you are already in "root terminal" then you don't need to run "su -l" (switch user).

Use an editor that does not need to open a new window: Eg "nano"

Evo2.

I am only new to Linux and still learning, but with NANO how do I save it please

Also, thanks for your help but I have learned that gksudo gedit solves the problem, thank you very much for your help

Nano has instructions at the bottom of the screen. ^x (Ctrl x ) to quit and then you will be asked if you want to save: press y. Then I think you will be prompted for the file name: the default name is the original name so press enter.

Evo2.