ok, I installed Red Hat Linux 7 onto my second hard drive, and when I pick "linux" at the duel boot LILO screen, it goes through the usual (at least i think it is?) booting of stuff. after all that, it says...

localhost login: -myname-
Password:
Last Login: -time/date-
[-myname-@localhost -myname-]$

I can't figure out what to do at this last prompt. Any ideas?

Thanks

type "startx" and you should be brought to your desktop. (If you have configured everything correctly for your video, and monitor).

From that last prompt, you can do pretty much anything. As BrianG mentioned, you can type startx and bring up the desktop, or run any other command. That prompt is the linux equivalent to C:\ in DOS.

If you don't already have one, go buy a Linux book and learn the commands.

If you don't know what to do there, why did you install Linux, it is usually a good idea to learn or readup on something you know nothing about, that is equivalent to me just jumping in a plane and start flying it. I know this is harsh but hey, stupid questions get stupid replies.

GNIRX,

It's not that we're trying to be mean. It's just that if you're gonna install an OS, you need to know how to work it. Learning as you go is ok, but you need to have at least some basic knowledge about the subject. Once you have that basic knowledge, you'll be able to learn more by reading the posts on this site and others.

Eric

books
 

If I were you, I would go and get a Linux for Dummies book, and Using Redhat Linux by Alan Simpson and John Ray. That way, you can read the dummies book, get the drift of Linux, then look up what you need to know in Using redhat linux. I would also recommed, (even though you just installed it) installing 6.2. 7.0 is very buggy (IMO) and will give you a hard time. 7.1 is coming soon, so you can always wait if you want. I am running 6.2 and its great, cant tell the difference from 6.2 to 7.0. (minus the bugs). P.S. You can get both these books at Borders or similar. Good luck!

yes yes, i know i suck. and by the way, i did buy Red Hat Linux 7 for Dummies. i hate the way that book is set up, because if one single thing goes wrong, it doesn't branch off in that direction to explain what to do... poo, i need to get a better book.

There are a number of books available out there. I would not recommend Dummies books, because they are very simple. They tend to give you just enough information to cause problems. Using Red Hat is a good book. That is what I started out with. Otherwise, just pick and choose your books wisely.

considering he did not know to type startx (no offence), I think a good beginnners book would be almost necessary. Most linux books assume you have some knowledge of the OS.