Howdy,
I'm new to Linux (Debian woody-i386 flavor bf24) but old to PC's.
Over the last 19 years I become quite the tech. But.... learning Linux is like
going back to school.... Ahhhhh
Okay Here goes nothing, after roughly a dozen reinstalls I think I've finally
figured out how to properly install the base system and select the packages (all from the Debian CD's I am not ready to let this computer
access the Internet just yet.) Now comes the problem "Xwindows" or Gnome. I've run xf86config probably a hundred different times between all
the installs I've done to get familiar with the installation process.
1.) I have a Dell Trinitron 17" Monitor that I know is capable of running at
800x600 resolution (from other OS's I've installed on it in the past.)
As far as the actual refresh rates capable of the monitor I have not bothered to flip it around and check.
I configured xf86 moderately so as to easly accommodate this Monitor.
But I can not seem to figure out why it won't display at the afore mentioned resolution. The Video is embedded Cirrus chip set CL(GD) 5430
which was available for selection in the config process.
Again moderate settings 8 bit color to allow 800x600 res. still nothing.
2.) Compaq 2 button mouse (p/s-2) I first was unable to startx because
no pointer found. but I messed it with some more and got X to load but
still cursor does not move at all. (stuck in the middle of the screen)

This is very confusing but yet so is trying to learn Linux after years of using
and configuring Windows.

I'm sure this problem can be solved, but I just don't have the tech. knowledge to figure this out yet.

Would anyone be kind enough to give this old PC dog a hand?