[SOLVED] Debian 5.05 setup, HELP?

murenti · 08-22-2010, 08:36 PM

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

Dutch Master · 08-22-2010, 09:22 PM

Copy/paste the following to the file /etc/apt/sources.list (as root)

Code:

deb http://ftp.au.debian.org/debian/ lenny main contrib non-free
deb-src http://ftp.au.debian.org/debian/ lenny main contrib non-free

deb http://security.debian.org/ lenny/updates main contrib
deb-src http://security.debian.org/ lenny/updates main contrib

deb ftp://ftp.debian-multimedia.org lenny main

Save the file, close the editor. Next, issue these commands, still as root:

Code:

apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade && apt-get install synaptic

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...

evo2 · 08-22-2010, 10:14 PM

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

Evo2.

murenti · 08-22-2010, 11:43 PM

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.

murenti · 08-23-2010, 12:32 AM

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

evo2 · 08-23-2010, 12:33 AM

to become root, open a terminal and enter the following command:

Code:

su -l

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.

murenti · 08-23-2010, 12:40 AM

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."

murenti · 08-23-2010, 12:59 AM

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

evo2 · 08-23-2010, 01:29 AM

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

Quote:

cannot open display:

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

Code:

nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Evo2.

murenti · 08-23-2010, 01:40 AM

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

evo2 · 08-23-2010, 02:40 AM

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.