How do I get to text mode Linux? I want to log in as root, but my login manager does not allow me to select root. In fact, it isn't even an option. The only other solution is to shut down the X server and use text mode. However, when I do a Ctrl+Alt+BkSp, I'm taken to my login manager and back to square 1. When I do a Ctrl+Alt+BkSp, I do see a text mode login, but only for no longer than a second before the login manager pops up. So, how do I get to text mode ONLY? From there I can always "startx" and get to the graphic desktop. I'm using Mandrake 10 PowerPack as shown to the left.

I also have a second question about the login manager. How do I change it? On my desktop I have a button at the bottom of the login screen that allows me to change how I log in. I want the default GNOME login because it will allow me to type in what user I want, whether it be root or my user account. After installing k3b, I was switched to the KDE login manager. I really do not like the KDE login manager or even the desktop environment, but I really like k3b (it works perfectly for me). So, how do I get the default GNOME login manager back?

Thanks,
Billy

Assuming mandrake uses the same runlevels as RH, you are at init level 5 when you have X start automatically at bootup. To determine your current init level, as root invoke:
runlevel

To permanently change your init level edit your /etc/inittab file default runlevel line to be 3 instead of 5.

To temporarily change your init level to a level that does not automatically start X, as root invoke:
telinit 3

The easiest way I've found for you to remove GUI login is to reconfigure XFree86.
Go to the Mandrakelinux Control Center
Click hardware
Click Graphical server
Click Options
Click No
Reboot.

Remember, when you log in next it will be in text mode so you'll need to run "startx" at the prompt to load X.

Good luck,
X-Quest

From a terminal window you would type in kcontrol or look for Configure your Desktop in your Start Menu (Start/System/Configuration/Configure your Desktop). Once in the KDE Control Center, browse down to System/Login Manager. You will have to enter the Administrator Mode and enter your root password. Once in Admin Mode, go to the Users tab and remove the X in the box next to root. You will then have an icon to enter as root.

If you are automatically booting into KDE/Gnome then just hit Ctrl-Alt-F1. That will take you to a console. Then type in init 3 That will kill the Xserver. To go back to the desktop just type startx That should do it for you. If you always want to boot to a console instead of the desktop just edit the inittab file in /etc/inittab change the run level to 3 instead of 5.