I am brand-new to Linux use, having just started a class at the local junior college as I work towards an Associates degree in IT.

The class provides a copy of Red Hat Linux Fedora Core 2 software, and the releases selectable at bootup are 2.6.5-1.358smp or Fedora Core-up 2.6.5-1.358.

I verified data integrity on the disks prior to installing. The install is being done on an HP desktop with Intel Pentium (R) Dual CPU E2160@1.80 GHz/1.79 GHz with 1.99 GB of RAM.

The hard drive is a removeable 40 GB WDC WD400JD-55MSA1

When I select that drive, and try to load Fedora, the system hangs right after the Enabling Swap Space [OK] appears. It doesn't matter which version mentioned above is selected at bootup.

I have tried disconnecting the Ethernet cable, which I found in one post, and also switching the mouse from USB to PS2 but nothing has helped so far.

Now what? I have class labs to do, the instructor is not available through the weekend, and I'm stuck. HELP!

Welcome to LQ!

Take a deep breath...

It is likely that it failed to chvt correctly during boot and you are actually being prompted for user interaction on another terminal. Try looking at the other available terminals once you get to this point. It has been my experience that usually on the 8th or 9th is where I find the problem.

Depending on how the system is booting you may need to use Ctrl-Alt-F# initially, otherwise just Alt-F#.

examples:

For troubleshooting i would disable the swap in fstab and try booting again.

You have enough ram (although I would recommend re-enabling swapfile once working).

It could be something as simple as an error in creation of the swapfile, a typo or incorrect pathname.

Be aware tha tLinux normally uses a swap partition, but can also use a swap file.... these are not identically the same.
Did you allow the system to create a swap partition?