Just installed debian linux. I did the smallest install possible because I didn't really know what I was doing. I have the linux style cmd prompt on the screen. I want a windows style gui - with text editor and other windows for copying and pasting. How do I get that on my linux version ?

cheers

wats the problem you are facing everything must be there just explore it

Have a look here:
http://www.linuxnewbieguide.org/cont...ter-7-what-kde

and then here:
http://pkg-kde.alioth.debian.org/kde3.html

The OP has clearly stated that he wants a GUI.
The OP has also stated that he did not know what he was doing (indicating he is a real newbie), so saying "just explore it" is *not* very helpful !

Still I dont know wat he wants

What did you not understand from the following quote ?

The kde pages seem to suggest

aptitude install kde-desktop

So I did that and it said no packages will be installed, upgraded or removed.

Check out the following topic in the second link of above post:
"Install KDE on your existing Debian system"

you mean to say he doesnt have GUI in his debain flavour?

then install GUI-KDE

To start KDE, type

In case X-Server if it is not running

Install GUI-GNOME

1 members found this post helpful.

Hi
You wrote back before I had editted my post. I tried the aptitude install and got the message :

no packages will be instyalled, upgraded or removed

I hope you logged in as root while doing so.
Check out the post number 9 by Prayag ! See if that helps.

couldn't find package x-window-system-core
couldn't find package gnome


I might just start from scratch and install the full thing.

Paste the exact output of this command here:

No need to panic. You're doing fine. Do know if you're running Debian Lenny (stable), Squeeze (testing) or Sid (unstable)?

You have a wide choice of desktops (gui's) you can use. kde & gnome are 2 of the popular ones. Assuming you want kde, as root or using sudo just type this command:
and then get some coffee or take a nap. You will get a lot of packages. How long it takes will depend on your network connection. Once all the packages are installed the easiest thing would be to reboot and choice the first item on your grub menu. That should put you right into your desktop environment.
Have fun.
jkd

command not found