I'm a long time windows user but completely new to linux. My job (my first one actually) requires me to maintain a Redhat 9.0 linux server. It is always on since it serves as our email server. I don't know how to use it since it is running a text-based console (like DOS) and i dont know any commands. I've heard of Xwindows, how can I launch it? I've tried pressing <ctrl>+<alt>+<f7> but a blank screen just appeared. I've tried typing 'startx' but an error appeared.

-bash: startx: command not found

My guess is Xwindows is not installed. How will i know and if it isn't installed how can i install it??

Tnx!

If Xwindows (either X.org or Xfree86) are present on your system there should some config files for it in /etc/X11

Otherwise try using the find command (or its little brother locate)

for info on any command type man [command].

try:

man man

thanks a lot mate!

those commands you taught were great! (for a newbie like me ; )

unfortunately, there were no x11 found. I guess that means no Xwindows for me : (

how can i install it then?

Personally, i would download the sources and start compiling... however i wouldnt reccomend it. Perhaps try the rpms on the red hat cd´s?

I dont think there is a nice installer for red hat if xwindows isnt installed (someone please correct me if im wrong..) so you will need to track down the rpm for xwindows.

the generic command for installing rpms is:
rpm -ivh [rpm name here]

try man rpm for more details.

You should be able to find all the rpms on the cds, or you could try googling them and download.

However for a server i dont think its a good idea to run Xwindows... I may be wrong here but it just seems like a waist of cpu and memory to run X on a server. perhaps you should figure out what you need to do work out how to do it from bash? Just a suggestion.