OK, I have a small problem here. I loaded Linux on an unused laptop so I can learn Linux as I need to for work.

I don't recall selecting a sign on username/password but it asks for on after boot up. I've tried everything I believe I may have come up with but nothing works.

Is there a backdoor entry to reset a username/password?

I also experienced another problem (when I was able to log on) When web surfing I found that simply moving my mouse around on a web page would act as if I clicked on the "back page" button. VERY frustrating. It make me want to just use my windows box for anything I need online.

Lazer

A backdoor would defeat the whole notion of system security, wouldn't it?

Since you just installed, and can't login, you don't have personal files to loose.

Re-install, paying attention to prompts for names and passwords. Write them down if you have to in order to remember them.

i think for most user-friendly distros they will go through the process and ask you about setting up your user account. if this wasnt the case try to login to the console (or even the GUI if you have to!) as 'root' and create another account, then always use this new 'regular' user account, as root can be dangerous to work as because you have unlimited power and one command can ruin your install.

What distribution?

Depending on the distro, it sometimes installs with password off. Did you try logging in a s root with no password?

You can boot from the install CD in rescue mode--or from a "live CD" such as Knoppix. You can disable the root password by opening the /etc/password file and editing the root entry to remove the first "x".....The entry will wind up looking something like this:
root::0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash


Now when you re-boot, you can log in to the root account with no password.

This was my first thought as well, but I thought I'd check to see if there was another way first. I had trouble with my first install attempt and had to do it a second time. I usually do write down any usernames/passwords. I just don't remember setting one up. Perhaps re-installing may help with the second issue I added to my original post? Or is this a bug?

Thanks
Lazer

There is ALWAYS a backdoor if you have physical custody of the hardware. Locks and passwords are for honest people (and passwords are useful on networks)

If I want your data, all I have to do is boot your machine from my own CD distro---or just throw the whole thing in the trunk of my car.

is this a USB mouse? this happens everytime i install slackware, and i have to prevent a mouse driver from loading to get it to work. if it is USB, then this may be one solution.
if it is not USB (or even if it is) the more likely solution will have to do with editing a file, /etc/X11/xorg.conf, under the InputDevice section for your mouse. the solution will be to change your 'Protocol', 'Device', 'Buttons' or just one of them. search around here for more help if you need to.

Well this is a bit over my newbie head. I ordered a Linux fundamental course and loaded what came with it. All I see anywhere is Fedora Core 4. Does that answer the distro question?

No, this was just using the touchpad mouse (laptop).

ok, still, editing the file i mentioned is most likely the solution to that problem.

Still can't get past the username entry. I put the install CD in and rebooted. It still brings me to the same sign on screen with no options to re-install the OS.

i dont imagine there is a problem with the boot order, as you got it to install off the cd in the first place, right?
when booting see if there are any messages to boot from cd or other media.

Yes I set the CD drive to first boot device when I originally loaded it. I'm not getting any options at all during the boot process.

check the bios and verify CD is the first boot device.

I'm such a friggin ID10T! I had the wrong CD in.