# I need some help with Linux **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 22, 2003, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678 "2003-11-22T14:28:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/1 "2003-11-22T14:28:41Z")
I have just recently installed the newest stable release of Debian GNU/Linux which is a dual boot with windows 98. But the problem is it tells me kdm and xdm aren’t my default window managers (I want to use Gnome not KDE) and then it asks me if I want to configure Xfree86 but that I have to log into root to configure it. I’m not exactly sure what to do or how to configure it. Also my mouse won’t work. It’s a PS2 mouse. If you haven’t guessed it I’m new to Linux but I need help. Lots of help. Thank you in advance for your help. ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/2 "2003-11-22T16:40:59Z")
gdm is the default X daemon for Gnome. The X daemon is basically a login program that allows users to have a graphical login screen and then automatically spawn an X windows session upon login. It sounds like the computer is coming up in an X windows boot mode. What this means is that it will run the X daemon immediately upon booting. Obviously if the computer is not configured right, then it can’t run X windows, and everything goes to hell. So we need to get out of that and drop you to the command line. Sometime during the installation process, it should have asked you to set a root password. Go to the command line (if you are in graphics mode, push Cntrl-Alt-F1, otherwise Alt-F1 or Alt-F2 to get a text login prompt), log in as root. If you haven’t set a password, just push enter when prompted. You should set one by typing passwd. When logged in as root, the easiest thing to do is to try and put the machine in a non-X windows boot mode. Type init 2 while logged in as root. This is the standard text-mode initlevel and will cleanly kill all X windows and X related processes. Now we can get started configuring X windows. I can’t remeber exactly, but my suspicion is that Debian will automatically run the X configuration programs when you try to start X windows for the first time. Type this (while still logged in as root): startx If it starts the configuration mode X or X crashes and it asks you to configure X, then great. It will take you into an X configuration program and you can tell it your graphics card and your mouse and be on your way. If it just crashes and dumps you back to the command line, then we have to find the X setup programs. Try this: /usr/X11R6/bin/Xconfigurator This is an old-school text X windows configuration program that will work. If this file isn’t on your computer, try this. ls /usr/X11R6/bin/_config_ This will list all the files containing “config” in your X11 binary directory. Hopefully one of these will be called xf86config or xconfig or something useful like that. Try running that one. After configuring X, quit X either by logging out by menu or just by Cntl-Alt-Backspace. This will get you back to your root command line. Type init 5 This will re-start up an X initlevel, and hopefully run gdm and Gnome fine. You can then log in under your user account and hopefully everything will work fine. Let me know if it doesn’t. ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/3 "2003-11-22T17:00:44Z")
This is just a quick quote from my SO: > [@](#): > > … they can’t get X working because their mouse isn’t properly configured. > > from the console, type the command “XFree86 -configure” as root. Then backup the file “/etc/X11/XF86Config-4” (just rename it with .bak or something) and copy the file in /root that was created (forget the name). I don’t know if that helps or not! ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/4 "2003-11-22T17:27:13Z")
**edwino** I did all that and I got this error message when I tried to start X back up again. Fatal Server Error: no screens found ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/5 "2003-11-22T17:31:53Z")
So you went through all of the X configuration stuff as root and you still got that error? Did you tell it which resolutions you want to run in and that stuff? Try **mnemosyne** ’s advice – the older X configuration programs sometimes stick their outputted configuration files in places which are not correct. X 4.0 needs the file /etc/X11/XF86Config-4, and they may be outputting to /etc/X11/XF86Config or even worse /usr/X11/lib/X11/XF86Config. ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/6 "2003-11-22T17:33:14Z")
Actually, rechecking, /etc/X11/XF86Config will work too. Just not /usr/X11R6/lib/X11/XF86Config. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/7 "2003-11-22T17:33:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by edwino \* > \*\*When logged in as root, the easiest thing to do is to try and put the machine in a non-X windows boot mode. Type > init 2 > while logged in as root. This is the standard text-mode initlevel and will cleanly kill all X windows and X related processes. > \*\* This is true only for Red Hat-type systems. Debian by default configures runlevels 2-5 to be exactly the same, leaving it up to the system adiminstrator to determine runlevel policy. To the OP, assuming you tried to install gdm, the messages about kdm and xdm are merely informative and can be ignored. If gdm is not coming up because X11 is not configured, the best thing to do is to get rid of it for now. As root, type: ```auto apt-get remove gdm kdm xdm ``` This will also get rid of kdm and xdm, which you also appear to have installed. To configure X11, the Debian Way is to ```auto dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xfree86 ``` and go through the textual configuration screens. For a PS2 mouse, you will want to connect it to “/dev/psaux” device. If you have one of these scrollwheels, make sure you say that your mouse type is “IMPS2” [for Intellimouse PS2]. ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2003, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/8 "2003-11-22T23:07:09Z")
I think I figured out the problem. I have two video cards (one is an onboard POS) So how do I disable the onboard card in Debian? ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/9 "2003-11-23T06:00:10Z")
Quoting my SO again: > [@](#): > > In your configuration for X the file called /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 there should be two sections called “device”. Comment out with # sign the one you don’t want. Aren’t you glad he’s here? I sure am! Bed time now! 😃 Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/10 "2003-11-23T07:15:01Z")
You should the option to disable the onboard video as a BIOS setting. I don’t think commenting out the device section in the XF86Config will do anything if the onboard video is still detected as Device #1. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/11 "2003-11-23T11:14:53Z")
Bottom line: Linux is still not ready for prime time. I have it on my office machine where I have a systems administrator to configure everything. I was thinking of maybe trying it on my next home computer. Guess not. ---
**Author:** ![Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/12 "2003-11-23T13:01:27Z")
**Hari Seldon** the installation for distros such as Suse is just as straightforward as the installation for Windows XP. Just put the disk in and let it do everything for you. ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/13 "2003-11-23T14:06:24Z")
Agree with +MDI. I defected to SuSE Linux 8.2 a clouple of months back and it configured almost everything perfectly first time, but, it doesn’t much like booting into Gnome - seems to leave a lot of things unavailable, the printer is giving poor quality compared to Win98 (can but don’t boot into it) due to me having an HP printer and HP being unwilling to release drivers or hardware info to the Linux comminity, same problem with scanner but it works as an Agfa Snapscan (it isn’t) and the cd-writer that seems to think that some essential files are missing (they arent). Needs a bit of tinkering with. Generaly the experience is positive and easy, but there are a few details still needing attention. Perseverance seems to be the watchword, and possibly an IQ transplant. Freedom from virus/worm/trojans is great, and no popups by default is brilliant. Linux may, as Hari Seldon postulates, not be ready for prime-time, but is getting there and has much to recommend it. ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/14 "2003-11-23T14:22:22Z")
Thanks for all your help guys! I downloaded [Libranet](http://www.libranet.com) and it was much easier to install. I had no trouble installing it and it works great. The only problem now is I don’t know how to use my CD-ROM drive with it or how to find the stuff to connect to my ISP (I have DSL) without having to call them. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/15 "2003-11-23T16:23:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Xan \* > \*\*Thanks for all your help guys! I downloaded [Libranet](http://www.libranet.com) and it was much easier to install. I had no trouble installing it and it works great. The only problem now is I don’t know how to use my CD-ROM drive with it or how to find the stuff to connect to my ISP (I have DSL) without having to call them. \*\* Xan At the moment you really should be thinking of Downloading Redhat or Mandrake. Sooner or later your gonna have to get your hands dirty trying everything out and learning ,but in my opinion if your libranet is not mounting your CDrom drive , or asking you to set up your dsl account, then I would concider that distro , a mid level distro ,rather than an entry level. For your dsl your going to have to use something like Kppp and make sure that you have ppoe installed with it , there are a few other dialing apps ,and I dont know your internet setup , vis a vis if you connect the dsl to a router or straight into the nic card. Since you have already moved from Debian , Mandrake or Redhat will allow you to use urpmi or rpmdrake for mandrake , and I have no idea what Redhat is using now , but its gonna be something similar. As well it prompts you to set up your internet connection , with it configing most of the needed components. Declan ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/16 "2003-11-23T16:36:03Z")
It asked, I just didn’t know the info for it. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/17 "2003-11-23T16:54:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Xan \* > \*\*It asked, I just didn’t know the info for it. \*\* I imagine that you are dual booting windows , go into your connection settings on windows and grab your ip address from the TCP/Ip settings and use your password and username that the Dsl account came from. Your Ip Address will look like 192.168.0.1 which is a generic address for a router ,but yours may look something similar. Then the phone # for the ISP Enter those into kppp and try and dial in , if its not working then you have to make sure that you have your protocols installed. Looking at some forums, it appears that libranet uses the same apt-get that Debian uses , so you would type apt-get ppoe or something similar , which is point to point over ethernet, so that your computer can talk with the host computer. Thing is , looking at [linuxISo.org](http://linuxISo.org) , you may have problems setting up an internet account , even if you do get your settings correct , some of the people cannot use internet , except as root. If you are using a trial version(free) of libranet , it may have had some of its functionality disabled. Declan ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/18 "2003-11-23T17:27:26Z")
Just a screen shot of Mandrake ,so that you are not under the impression that there is a whole lot of difference in the Front ends of both distros [http://www.manticore.ca/photos/9.2screenshot](http://www.manticore.ca/photos/9.2screenshot) Lets see if that worked 🙂 Declan ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/19 "2003-11-23T17:40:49Z")
Hmm previous entry seemed to be screwed for some reason lets try this again [http://www.manticore.ca/photos/9.jpg](http://www.manticore.ca/photos/9.jpg) This is one time I wish the board had an edit button Declan ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2003, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678/20 "2003-11-23T18:26:48Z")
Thanks for the suggestion! I’m downloading Mandrake as we speak. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-help-with-linux/214678.md?page=2)