I have this weird problem when I use a virtual terminal.
Within seconds of going into one the screen will start filling up with
a list of network related things like - dropped in,mac,dst,tos,prec,
ttl,ip,ack,res,syn,opt and stuff like that over and over, which doesn't allow me to
look at anything.
I just have to use the gui terms to look at stuff.
Does anyone know why this bizarro situation would be happening.
I installed with a Debian AMD64 Net Disc.
Thanks.

"ttl", "ack", "syn" all seem indeed to be network related.
In fact, I'm guessing it's the output of some network packet capturing command (like ethereal).
I haven't used such programs yet on Linux, so I can't provide you with an example on what it's output looks
like.

Anyway, I think you should try to see what programs get launched when you enter this "virtual terminal".
So, start off by having a look at the man page of the program that lets you start such a terminal. Search
for any files that are started automatically (i.e. .bash_rc for normal terminals). Have a look at the commands
in those files and disable some to see if it helps.

Alternatively, I don't really now virtual terminals, but if they connect to some port on your computer and on the same port, there is a network packet capturing program running,... To verify this, check your virtual
terminal's configuration as well as any network packet sniffers that are running in the background.

A third solution might be that you're simply seeing the inputs or outputs of your network card somehow (if
that's at all possible), without the use of the intermediate packet sniffer. Again, check your config.

No worries, thanks for all the advice.
In regards to the terminals, I just mean going into text mode, I suppose, with Ctrl,Alt,F1 etc.