Hey, folks:

I'm a Mac user who's new to Linux, or at least I will be new to Linux if I ever get it to work. For the past couple of weeks, I've been trying to install Debian 3.0 (woody) on my 1998 G3 Series PowerBook. This is the 233MHz "Mainstreet" machine. I've Googled this issue to death and tried a bunch of solutions that other people claim have worked, but to no avail. Here's what happens.

The initial installation goes fine, as long as I skip tasksel and end the install process with a minimal command-line system. The problem comes when I try to install X. XFree86 invariably crashes the machine hard on its first run, blanking out the screen and refusing all input for about 2 minutes. Then it spontaneously reboots. Using BootX, I can boot back into Linux, but when I do, the same thing happens before I even get a login window - blank screen, two minute pause, reboot. I would post the log file, but because I can't even get to the login prompt, I can't get the file. Instead, I just reinstall each time (got it down to a 15-minute process now) and try the next proposed solution. After more than a dozen iterations of this process, all with the same endpoint, I've run out of ideas.

I've seen some cryptic references to compiling a new kernel for this machine, but I don't know where to begin with that project. I've also tried editing Xfree86config-4 to match versions I've found online (from folks who claim to have this working on a Wallstreet), but still no luck.

I'd appreciate any assistance. So far, I have to say I'm not real thrilled with the Linux experience.

I'm afraid you have to follow those cryptic references. It can't be too bad. After successful install of base system you have a working Linux machine, capable of compiling new kernel, provided you have compiler and sources installed.

EDIT: This isn't a newbie question. Perhaps mod can move it to Laptop section.