I recently installed madriva linux on my new computer. it is the only operating system on the computer. i tried to log into it and it gave me a fatal error message. I rebooted it with the linux cd in it an

do you have a modem in your computer? youll need that for dial up internet access.. if you have an ethernet card (NIC) you can use that for LAN access and dsl/cable conenctions.

xorg's config is needed for xorg to work. if you want a GUI interface like windows, youll need xorg working.

what happens when you boot the computer now? does it bring to a black and white screen? or can u log on to the desktop?

if neither of the above, what error message exactly is displayed and when?

if u want to skip that.. id say format and reinstall the OS again.. and posting back if you have another error. dont just put cd back in and start installing more stuff or whatever.

during the install process make sure to read everything clearly also... so that your computer is setup properly.

"Modem" is a generic term for a device that interfaces computer data to any of a number of different comm methods: normal telephone wires, DSL (on the phone wires), Cable-TV, etc.
"Ethernet" is a protocol/spec for a computer network.
For example, if you get a cable modem, you will connect the computer to it using something like Ethernet--or maybe USB.

Something to consider: The Linux and OpenSource world is hugely dependent on internet downloads. You will eventually get very frustrated with dial-up--you may want to start saving for a high-speed connection.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Mandriva and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

I don't honestly intend on using windows ever again on my own personal computer if I can avoid it. The linux desktop does appear now and seems to be ok. Should i not worry about the x org configuration for now if all is fine or is it better that I reinstall the mandriva os. It wouldn't be any trouble for me to do so since I have not created any files or done anything significant with the computer yet. I am going to get a dsl hook up. Is there any high speed internet that is reasonably priced and friendly to linux/unix users that any one knows of? or do they all work and I should just pick the best price? thanks for the help.

ya dsl is dsl (besides the price and bandwidth caps).. there is no 'linux-specific' dsl or anything. also, it wouldnt be of much help probably if someone recommended an ISP for dsl.. because it may or may not be available in your area.

i personally would try reinstalling from scratch.. following what i initially said. ie, writing down exact message and coming back and posting it before continuing.. also read all screens and messages in detail.

If your graphical user interface (gui) is working now, that tells you that your xorg config is ok. No need to reinstall. If xorg was still giving you errors, or does again in future, you can fix that without a reinstall by using the Mandriva tool XFdrake. You would simply login as the user root, give root password, type XFdrake, hit enter key and a graphical window will pop up like a wizard you are used to in windows. This will walk you through choosing the proper driver for your video card etc, and then rewrite your xorg config file when it is done. Always "test" your driver choice using the test button prior to exiting the wizard and don't accept till you find one that works. Edit: you should also logout of root and into your regular user before using the command startx to get into your gui after using XFdrake. End of edit. Vesa driver is a generic that will drive almost any card if you are stuck and can't find a better one. (XFdrake is the same tool that the install uses, so a reinstall is doing this as well as a ton of other stuff that you really don't need to do over.)

On the topic of internet connection, I would say that a cable internet connection with a router is always best experience, for any operating system. Router gives you a proper hardware firewall, I use them even if it is only one computer and not a network. Cable internet is hassle free.