Hello,

I took 2 screenshots and will try to link them. I am not very good at this, so if you can not link and view the 2 images, then please reply stating so.

The 1st: From Synaptic - while trying to update.
The 2nd: From Synaptic - the programs I was trying to add / update that gave me the 1st images (message)

Is the 1st image something about which to be concerned? It asked me to select "YES" or "NO" afterwards and I selected "NO" because I did not understand the message.

The 1st: http://img265.imageshack.us/my.php?i...mscreensho.jpg

The 2nd:http://img265.imageshack.us/my.php?i...screenshoi.jpg


So, is it safe for me to select "YES" so I can continue with the update? How do you know so?

Thank you!

I would say no. Follow the instructions. Shut down kdm. This means that you need to say NO, then logout, then hit CTL-ALT-F1 and login. Then probably something like "sudo /etc/init.d/kdm stop". After it stops, then you will need to use either apt or apt-get to install the package. After successful installation, start kdm again and you can login to X.

Jesus Christ....I thought this would be simple.

I have an entirely different question now: What if I first tried this on a virtual OS? Is this something I could "practice" on a virtual OS, then do it with my "real" OS once I felt comfortable?

Don't fear the command line...

ctl-alt-f1 login (as root if you don't use sudo)
/etc/init.d/kdm stop
apt-get update
apt-get upgrade
let it run..answer any questions that pop up
when it's done... /etc/init.d/kdm restart

(replace gdm for kdm if that is what you use add sudo in front of the commands if you use sudo)
You're done. You're accomplishing the same thing. When you click update on synaptic it's running apt-get update. When you click on upgrade it's running apt-get upgrade. Nothing to fear.

MrChilly0,

# 1
Sorry, I just want to make sure I properly understand:

- It asks me "YES" or "NO" (do I want to continue)
- I select "YES"
- I then: ctl-alt-f1 and login as root
- Then type: /etc/init.d/kdm stop
- Then type: apt-get update
- Then type: apt-get upgrade
- I let it do its magic
- Then type: /etc/init.d/kdm restart

# 2
Where can I learn more about command line? I look online (even here) and find so many postings that it just boggles my mind. I would like some type of "practice" with command line without risking my actual OS. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you so much!

Not MrChilly0, but for #1 you want to cancel the upgrade so, as Quakeboy02 posted, answer "NO". You will then, in a terminal, stop kdm so you can perform your upgrade.

As for # 2, check out the "Linux Wiki" link in the Main Menu box at the upper right of the screen.
And here is a link to an on line book that really helped me out when I was getting started: rute

Here's a metaphor that more or less matches your situation: You're driving down the road and decide for whatever reason that you want to change your tires. Do you stop the car first, or try to change them at 60MPH? You might be able to find someone who actually could change all 4 tires while you're driving to your destination, but the risks in case of failure would be great. It's the same thing with kdm. That's your display manager. It needs to be stopped before you can replace it. The easiest way to do that is posted above.

Thanks to all who helped. It worked!