Problem logging into Mandrake 10.1
 

I booted up into Mandrake 10.1 where it asks for the localhost login: and the password for the localhost login: I typed in root and for the password I typed in my root password and then I hit enter and this is what it said

last Login: Sat Sep17 13:54:26 ontty1

[root@localhost root]#

I am not sure what to type in here to be able to get into mandrake 10.1

You probably don't want to log on as root. During installation, Mandrake should have prompted you to add a user, and that is who you want to log on. In any case, after logging on, the next command is normally: If you did not add another user during installation, you will want to use "system > configuration > configure your computer" from the start menu to add yourself as a regular user now. You can also set it to log you (not root) on automatically and start the desktop when it boots. Running as root when not necessary is not a good idea.

If I choose in the installation of mandrake 10.1 to log me on automatically then will I not have to go through the localhost login: and password

Yes, the boot process will log you on and start X and the default desktop (usually KDE unless you changed something). It's a lot like starting Windows, only not as dangerous. :)