I can't get to the desktop environment

[jjr2527]

I just installed the latest version of Debian and I am completely new to linux. I am trying to get to the desktop environment. After installing the basics. I followed these steps.

apt-get install kde

apt-get install gnome

Then I tried to start either one of these using these commands, and getting the following errors:

startx gnome:server x not found

startx kde:server x not found

startkde: endless loop message "Mail server not found"

startgnome:server x not found

I know nothing about linux, so I don't know how to read/write/open/edit a file. How do I get to the desktop?

[oz]

what happens with the simple command: startx

[budman7]

Try this link for configuring X
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Config-HOW...ig.html#AEN899

[a thing]

This took me a bit to figure out.

1. Run apt-setup and let it scan all of the installer CDs/DVDs you have.
2. Before exiting apt-setup, insert the first installer CD/DVD and contiune.
3. Now something that lets you select what kind of things to install should come up. Select things by moving to them with the arrow keys and hitting space. Make sure you check "Desktop enviornment" then OK.

Configuration dialogs for new programs (including XFree86).

[jjr2527]

budman7,

One of the first things that article talks about is running the XF86Setup but when I type that into the prompt I get "Bash:directory not found", it also says I should install the VGA server. Is that the same thing as the HTTP: update server I setup during the installation? Or is there something else I must install first?

Thanks for the help.

[jjr2527]

a thing,

Thanks I will give that a try and see what happens. I'm running a dual boot set up so I have to reboot each time I want to try something out.

[jjr2527]

I tried a thing's suggestion to update everything using apt-setup and it said that I had 15,086 things available to install through apt-get but it didn't give me the check box options like it did during my initial setup. After I tried that I ran xf86config which took me through the whole process of setting up my monitor and video card and then when I finished it said "Unable to open file for writing". Is there another thing I need to do first or maybe an easier way to get setup? This all seems very difficult for a newbie.

[morphology]

jjr2527: first, you must be root to run apt-setup correctly.... I suspect you cannot "open file for writing" because you are not performing the apt-setup command as root, and accordingly, do not have the necessary permissions. Secondly, you are having difficulties starting an X session with the WindowManger you desire.... "startx WMname" is not the proper syntax for starting X with your preferred window manager... it is a bit more involved than that and involves your .xinitrc scripts.

There is, however, an easier way that editing .xinitrc scripts. You might consider installing a 'display manager' like xdm or gdm or kdm. This app gives you a graphical log-in at boot that allows you to choose which Window Manager you'd like to use.

If you prefer starting in a non-graphical enviroment, starting X when and if you choose, then read the 'man xinit' pages for info on how to configure your .xinitrc script.

[ToastedToad]

Does installing just kde or gnome bring in x-window-system? I always install that first before anything else so I don't know? You may want to try:

# apt-get install x-window-system


...just in case.

[jjr2527]

Problem solved, I ended up reinstalling from scratch and checking all the checkboxes for components to install. After that everything worked fine. Thanks for the help.