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Old 08-03-2005, 09:42 AM   #1
Barry Bingham
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Question Debian & Ubuntu installer - cannot select packages?


After using Ubuntu happliy for a while I've been tempted to try Debian 3.1 off the Linux Format coverdisc. However I have not got very far: because of an issue which I also experienced with Ubuntu, but where it was less of a pain given the more extensive default install performed by Ubuntu, and the fact that I simply edited files once up and running.

I am doubtless being a complete idiot but I have been unable to google an answer. The question relates to the interactive sections of the installation where you select initial packages such as "desktop environment", "mail server" or "manually select packages". It also applies with x server options such as choosing the resolution. If I highlight an option using the arrow keys and then press enter, the selection does not "stick" and the process simply goes ahead with only the debian/ubuntu minmal defaults. I cannot find any way of registering the selection: I cannot type a "*" next to the chosen option - or get any other key to elicit a response apart from the "enter" return key - and this simply implements defaults regardless of whether or not I have highlighted the enter option using the tab key.

I even tried changing keyboard layouts to US from GB in desperation - but this had no effect. Please enlighten me if anyone can - even if I have to face ridicule to learn the error of my ways. But please don't just don't tell me to RTFM, because I have looked hard and understand - perhaps in error- that I have to highlight using arrow key and then press enter to confirm selection before highlighting enter on screen to implement options....... but as indicated above enter without highlighting implements defaults straight away and does not register options.....

I know I can eventually apt-get install my way into everything but surely there must be an answer to the above?
 
Old 08-03-2005, 10:37 AM   #2
bobsummer
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Re: Debian & Ubuntu installer - cannot select packages?

haha
just try the biggest key on your board ----------- space
don't you try it?

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry Bingham
After using Ubuntu happliy for a while I've been tempted to try Debian 3.1 off the Linux Format coverdisc. However I have not got very far: because of an issue which I also experienced with Ubuntu, but where it was less of a pain given the more extensive default install performed by Ubuntu, and the fact that I simply edited files once up and running.

I am doubtless being a complete idiot but I have been unable to google an answer. The question relates to the interactive sections of the installation where you select initial packages such as "desktop environment", "mail server" or "manually select packages". It also applies with x server options such as choosing the resolution. If I highlight an option using the arrow keys and then press enter, the selection does not "stick" and the process simply goes ahead with only the debian/ubuntu minmal defaults. I cannot find any way of registering the selection: I cannot type a "*" next to the chosen option - or get any other key to elicit a response apart from the "enter" return key - and this simply implements defaults regardless of whether or not I have highlighted the enter option using the tab key.

I even tried changing keyboard layouts to US from GB in desperation - but this had no effect. Please enlighten me if anyone can - even if I have to face ridicule to learn the error of my ways. But please don't just don't tell me to RTFM, because I have looked hard and understand - perhaps in error- that I have to highlight using arrow key and then press enter to confirm selection before highlighting enter on screen to implement options....... but as indicated above enter without highlighting implements defaults straight away and does not register options.....

I know I can eventually apt-get install my way into everything but surely there must be an answer to the above?
 
Old 08-03-2005, 11:05 AM   #3
Dead Parrot
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"Here are the keys you can use to navigate within the various dialogs. The Tab or right arrow keys move “forward”, and the Shift-Tab or left arrow keys move “backward” between displayed buttons and selections. The up and down arrow select different items within a scrollable list, and also scroll the list itself. In addition, in long lists, you can type a letter to cause the list to scroll directly to the section with items starting with the letter you typed and use Pg-Up and Pg-Down to scroll the list in sections. The space bar selects an item such as a checkbox. Use Enter to activate choices."

http://d-i.alioth.debian.org/manual/...6/ch06s01.html
 
Old 08-03-2005, 11:30 AM   #4
Barry Bingham
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Registered: Jan 2004
Location: UK
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Original Poster
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Thanks guys. As I thought asking this question has exposed me to ridicule. And rightly so. Still at least I've provided you and others with some entertainment. To add further to that entertainment reflect on the 6-7 ubuntu installs I have made on various PCs in which I have edited the resolution in xorg.conf simply because I was space-bar blind.....

And clearly I di not RT right FM. Still, now I know. And all I've lost is all claim to dignity and self respect....

Barry
 
Old 08-03-2005, 12:51 PM   #5
Dead Parrot
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Registered: Mar 2004
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Hey, none of us were born with that information. It's not stupid to ask for advice if you don't know how to do something. Still, it's generally considered good manners to browse the available documentation before asking. The main difference between a guru and a newbie is that the guru has learned how to find the right documentation quickly.
 
Old 08-03-2005, 08:14 PM   #6
towjamb
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Registered: Aug 2004
Location: Canada
Distribution: Debian
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Re: Re: Debian & Ubuntu installer - cannot select packages?

Quote:
Originally posted by bobsummer
haha
just try the biggest key on your board ----------- space
don't you try it?
Lucky for you this isn't a board of grammer and syntax. Barry would have the last laugh.
 
  


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