I need to find a way to change the default font size and also make emacs display column numbers by default. I have found a way to change both of these things, but I have been unable to make them permanently changed. Everyone on the internet keeps talking about ways to do it using the .emacs file, but I have been unable to accomplish anything using this.

I alter the .emacs file in my home directory and save it, but when I restart emacs, it goes back to its original settings. Why is this not working? Is this something specific to Mandriva? How can I make these changes stick? A timely response would be appreciated.

nevermind. I fixed the problem myself.