how do I make the computer notice that there's something in the usb port?
 

well I want to link my ti83+ to the tilp using the the linking cable (silver edition if it matters) and I guess it doesn't automatically read it

I think it's called mounting or something so I go to the root console and type 'mount usb device' and it asks which directory such and such, and I'm lost

running on debian

after you plug it in (TI 83+ calculator???)
run dmesg and post it here
there should be something about USB at the end if it found the 83+

(if running X you can try running usbview to look at your USB devices)

Mounting
 

To mount the device go into terminal, login as SU

type mkdir (make directory that you want to mount to) for my external hard drive I made /mnt/external

this will make the directory

Next type mount (device name) (directory to mount)

for my external it looked like this

mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/external

to make this happen on boot you have to change fstab, if you need help with this please let me know, I'm more than willing


djljjm