Every time I use vi (debian 5.0.3), the up, down, left, right, and backspace key, all seem to randomly switch functions. Also, letters sometimes work, and sometimes do nothing at all.


Sometimes left goes up, backspace will go left (but wont delete), etc..., I have only noticed this problem in vi, so much that it is often futile to try using it, even to make simple changes, and I usually have to restart to a different distro if I want to use vi to make changes.
I noticed the same issue on another debian-based machine several weeks ago.
Anyone else heard of this problem?

I assume you know how to use vi? For example the difference between insert and command mode?

There have been updates recently.....well for me.

try

Be careful what keyboard you select....the one highlighted in the dialog..might be the correct one

to replace vim-tiny.
that should solve your problem. check here (just for fun):
vim-how-to

vim instead of vi
works just fine.

vim works for me...as well