First timer, help!!!!!

jcniest5 · 02-23-2004, 10:08 PM

Well, guys and gals. I am truly a newbie and I just finished installing Linux 9.2. My PC keeps booting Linux into the text mode where I have no ideas how to start the GUI that I used to see elsewhere. How do I go about starting this thing in GUI? Help!

Thanks in advance!

jcniest5 · 02-23-2004, 10:34 PM

I think I know what I did wrong during the installation process. I chose XFree86 as my GUI or something. I just read another post with the similar problem but after running xf86config and startx, all I got was errors. So, I think I'm reformating the HD and reinstalling everything and make not to pick XFree86 as the GUI.

If anyone can pinpoint me to the correct procedure so I don't have to reinstall everything, that'll be great. So far nobody cares to tell me anything.

witeshark · 02-23-2004, 10:45 PM

You don't say what distro 9.2, Red Hat? Slackware? In my install the GUI options were Gnome and KDE. I selected to install both and after install completed I chose KDE. Every time I boot up KDE starts auto. Xfree86 is the interface between hardware (the mouse, keyboard, and video displays.)

claudius753 · 02-23-2004, 10:57 PM

I'm guessing you are using Mandrake 9.2

You need to install X but you will also need a window manager (the GUI) if you want that.

You will most likely have KDE or Gnome, probably both. If you have both, install both, and see which one you like. I am a gnome fan myself.

Welcome to linux, and have fun

Nathan

jcniest5 · 02-23-2004, 11:19 PM

Well, I'm stuck so I will have to reinstall the whole thing.

Redeye2 · 02-23-2004, 11:35 PM

When you get to the console, type your username and password . After that you should still be in [username@computer]$ , there, type startx to see if it gets you running.

michaelk · 02-24-2004, 02:39 AM

What is your video card type? If you have a Nvidia card you probably need to download the current drivers before x will work.

What are the errors when you attempt to run startx?

XF86 is the x server so if you do not select to install it you will not be able to run a windows manager (GUI) like KDE.

jcniest5 · 02-24-2004, 08:32 AM

Thanks guys. I will do more troubleshooting later when I get home from work. BTW, I have a Matrox Millenium II and there is a choice for it during configuration. I will get the error messages for you later.