I got two problems, first:

Im running the latest sarge build of debian with the 2.6.7 kernel, but every so often it hangs when i enter a command and
hda: dma_timer_expiry: dma statues == 0x64
I have no idea what this happens and i usually hardboots when it happens. Im running it on an a7n8x-x motherboard (nforce2 ethernet, but im using a card to connect), amd athlon xp 2600 processor, 120 gb harddrive, etc... It sorta pisses me off, im thinking about tryint to reinstall it over but i dont think itll work because this is my second install.

Second:

I cant manage to get kde or gnome to run, ive already done the standard
apt-get install gnome and apt-get install kdebase
, but whenever i try to run startx gnome or startx kdebase it just gives me file doesnt exist after writing a few things down, i dont know why. Im a real newbie at this, but im really intent on learning.

Thanks to all those who may reply.

*EDIT* and while your at it, can anyone give me advice on what filesystem should i use for a partition i want to store my file (like music, c++, etc..). Currently i have an NTFS, because ive been using windows, but im thinking FAT32 might be more compatible with linux and windows, or just tell me what i should get to be able to use NTFS flawlessly with linux, thx.

If you want to share information between Windows and Linux then FAT32 partition would work for you.

AFAIK, linux currently implements *limited* write support to NTFS parts. Personally, I've never even tried it. I would use FAT32 to allow dual access.