I can't seem to run synaptic from menu or cmd line.
From the cmd line I get:


Xlib: connection to ":0.0" refused by server
Xlib: No protocol specified


(synaptic:4979): Gtk-WARNING **: cannot open display:

From the menu i get a KDESU error or somthing like that.
I thinks it a sudo error--usr not in sudo list or something.

I can 'apt-get' and install pkgs.
just can't run synaptic.
Tried 'apt-get upgrade synaptic' but it wants to ugrade 1327 pkgs as well.

Did a Debian install from a Knoppix 5.1.1 dvd which i got from Linux Pro mag.
i think it installed a generic 'byrel'
uname -r gives 2.6.19

Try doing,

Gives me the same error msg.
Damn!

Mmm. Try "su - root" and then try the commands redazz gave you, that may be the problem.

actually this should work
su
export DISPLAY=:0
synaptic

(or install sux and use that instead of su.)

Another option is to do "xhost +hostname" before running synaptic to allow GUI apps to be run by any users on the machine you are using.