Accidentally skipped desktop on install
 

Hi. I have used Knoppix a little bit. I decided to wade right in and install Debian, which went fine, but when it came to installing the desktop and other things I accidentally hit return without checking any of those items, so I have Debian, but dont know what to do with it. I've explored some of the commands etc, but would really like to get a GUI going on. Would anyone like to offer a little guidance?

Thank you so much!

If you haven't set your APT sources yet, you need to type "su" and give the system administrator's (also known as the root user) password and then type "apt-setup".

Once APT sources have been configured, you can type (still as the root user) "tasksel". That should take you to the menu you missed in your first attempt. :)

Read up on Apt:
http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/ap.../index.en.html

The best way to do it IMHO, if you want KDE then apt-get install x-window-system kde kdm if Gnome then gnome gdm for the last two in the line.

Edit: I should mention as well do yourself a favour have the vertical and horizontal refresh rates handy for when X gets setup choose the advanced option then put them in when asked. X in Debian always sets the rates too low on install with the auto-detection.

You could also just type base-config and it will take you back through the configuration stuff and it will ask you again what packages you want to install.

at least i think.

base config
 

you need to run the base config utility and if you have any doubt check this guide for reference

Base config guide