need help from nothing...xmas present disaster :(
 

So I bought this acer aspire v5 131-2887 from qvc without reading very carefully. If I send it back xmas is pretty much ruined :(
Its supposed to have linux linpus on it. It does literally nothing except give me a root directory prompt on a black screen. Ive never in my life touched a linux before never mind tried to program one. I need desperate quick help. Its for my 13 yr old daughter...so I need regular internet capabilities for such. ..facebook ovoo maybe skype....etc

Welcome to the forums!

Linpus is outdated/obsolete, so realistically, you are looking at a full operating system reinstall to make the Acer into a functional machine. Maybe you can install Windows so your daughter can have a familiar OS (but I don't know, the hardware specs seem a little low for Windows?) or maybe you and your daughter are interested in becoming Linux users. Where do you live? There may be a Linux Users Group (LUG) in your area that can help you install Linux on the Acer and show you the basics. Most LUG's have regular "install fests" where they welcome new users. :)

Thank you :)

I wouldnt even know how to DL windows on it. It has no cd drive. And I assumed it was basically starting from nothing but wasn't sure since I know nothin lol
I live in CT. Im open to learn linux...but just wanted her to have it and have it usable by tomorrow. I feel horrible.

Looks like there is a LUG in Hartford, maybe you could reach out and find someone locally:

http://www.meetup.com/GHGLUG/

These forums have a Search feature if you want to read other users' experiences with Linpus and the Acer Aspire. Perhaps you can find a solution to at least get on the internet with a graphical interface. The first command I would try is:

but unfortunately I am not an Acer/Linpus user, so I am just taking an educated guess. ;)

Haha...funny enough that's one thing I already tried. Someone said that avfew days ago. Just brings me right back to the same prompt. Thanks tho :)

I personally use and recommend Linux Mint: http://www.linuxmint.com/

Mint can be installed in about 1 hour following the instructions on their site if you have a strong DIY ethic. You will need a blank USB thumb drive (since the Acer doesn't have a CD drive). I always recommend to test-drive in "Live" mode before installing, to verify that your hardware is supported (and that you actually like it).

Linpus and Mint are two of the hundreds of distributions or "distros" you can compare at: http://www.distrowatch.com

Maybe installing Linux together can be an educational co-project with your daughter, then you don't have to panic to get it done Xmas eve. ;)

need help from nothing...xmas present disaster :(
 

I would grab a USB stick and download mint or kwheezy. The sites should have directions. I assume the machine has a USB port ....

Although "linpus lite" is the #1 worst operating system there is

a Acer netbook with it preinstalled in the factory SHOULD work
you "should" see a desktop Graphical interface -- like windows xp or vista
( not the SAME but, like it )

the fact that you see ( in this case )the EMERGENCY text only terminal

means that some hardware in the acer is not working
it IS under a automatic 1 year warranty


It is VERY likely that you will NEED to return it


now just because "Linpus lite" is GARBAGE
Linux in general is VERY GOOD

BUT it will take some time to learn how to use a linux based operating system
-- they ARE rather DIFFERENT from Microsoft Windows

I would recommend that if YOU do want to learn something NEW then you can also buy a somewhat low cost laptop with Ubuntu 13 from DELL

or
learn how to install a operating system on a computer
-- something that 99.9% of computer users have NEVER done
-- it is a VERY GOOD learning experience