Newbie needs serious help

[evmiller]

Ok, Im a Linux and Debian newbie and have just encountered my first problem. I have a NVIDIA Geforce 4 video card and didn't see a driver selection for NVIDIA in the driver selection during setup, so I choose "nv" thinking this might be short for NVIDIA. After Debian loaded up, it seems that I'm locked into a 800x600 resolution despite the fact a selected 1600x1200 for my monitors max during setup. Went into the package manager and couldn't find a new video driver so I went to NVIDIA website and downloaded there newest Linux driver. After downloading I clicked on it and nothing happend. I go back to NVIDIA's website and it says I need to type "sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8178-pkg1.run" into a terminal. I do this and I get a message saying I have to have root privelages. I find the root terminal and type the command. Now it tells me I have an X-server running and need to exit, Huh! No idea on that one. I look around the menus and can't find and X-server anywhere. I now go out to the login screen and try to use the "failsafe terminal" and after typing in the command I get a message saying "xterm" cannot be found. I then went to Debians website and did some reading. Most of the documentation is written with the verteran Linux user in mind. Getting frusterated I can't do something so simple as install a new video driver. Can anyone give me some advise on what to do? I feel this migration to Linux is going to be a rouch road. I'm off to do some reading while awaiting replies.

[exploder]

If it says that the Xserver is running then you can kill the Xserver by ctrl+alt+backspace or go to /etc/init.d and type ./kdm stop(you have to do this as root).

If you stuffed up your resolution settings you can reconfigure by typing
dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg


In fact you need to change the resolution by going into /etc/X11/XFree-86.conf or xorg.conf , you need to increase the resolution.

Dude Linux is all about learning new things everyday. Never give up

[evmiller]

Ok, I typed ctrl+alt+backspace and I was brought to the login screen. I then went back into gnome and typed "sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86-1.0-8178-pkg1.run" into the root terminal and I still get the message saying I'm running Xserver. (must have started up again when I re-entered gnome). Next I typed ctrl+alt+backspace and was again brought back out to the login screen. This time I attempted to log into the "failsafe terminal" and type it. I still get the message saying "xterm not found". I then go back into gnome and type "dpkg-reconfigure xserver-org" into the root terminal and get a message saying xserver is not installed. I found the "XF86Config-4" file in the X11 directory but as you mentioned, I need root privilaged to remove the read-only attributes and edit the file. I don't know how to have root access while still in the GUI. I have root acces while using the root terminal, but so far I havn't figured out how to change directories in the terminals yet. My Dos knowledge doesn't seem to work here.

[antidrugue]

I still get the message saying I'm running Xserver. (must have started up again when I re-entered gnome).

Well, it seems that you cannot do it while x-server is running. So just boot your machine choosing "recovery mode", then you will have a terminal with no xserver. You will be able to install your nvidia drivers and then edit /etc/X11/XF86Config-4.

My advice on that: don't do it (untill you feel much more confortable with your system).

I found the "XF86Config-4" file in the X11 directory but as you mentioned, I need root privilaged to remove the read-only attributes and edit the file. I don't know how to have root access while still in the GUI.

Ok.

First, the "nv" drivers are fine. Unless you want to play some 3d hardcore games, you should stick with them untill you know better.

To get root privileges, open a terminal, and type:

su

Then enter your password... you will then be root (of course the password doesn't appear as you type it, that's normal).

Then you can edit XF86Config-4 after first making a backup

cd /etc/X11
cp XF86Config-4 XF86Config-4.backup
nano XF86Config-4

Just change the part about the resolution:

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "nv"
Monitor "Generic Monitor"
DefaultDepth 24
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768"
EndSubSection
EndSection

Just change the subsection concerning the "default depth".
Then save the file. Restart xserver. CTRL-ALT-BACKSPACE

Debian is excellent. Myself I run Debian Sarge. It's been 4 months. Never touched Linux before.

Nevertheless, if you really are struggling, try Ubuntu instead. It's much easier.

[shulik]

follow this link:
http://wiki.serios.net/wiki/Debian_N...r_installation

then this link:
http://wiki.serios.net/wiki/Debian_N...%27s_installer

Happy surfing!

[scpeckham]

I use Debian, and ran into a simular problem (I am a newbie too), and found that
I had to edit /etc/X11/XF86Config-4 (make a copy (use cp command) first ... just in case).
There is a section that looks like
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubSection
you need to add your other availiable resolution you want to use,
for example make it look like
SubSection "Display"
Depth 24
Modes "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
EndSubSection

change directories is the same as DOS except the slashes are reversed
cd /etc (where dos would be cd \etc )
you need to use the root terminal but since you do have a screen up,
I suggest you type " kate " (without the quotes) and use the full screen editor,
otherwise you can use " ed " .
Unfortunately the ed command is less than obvious to use, so do a
man ed
first to find out about it. I usually just edit one line at a time
2,12n will display lines 2 through 12
5c will let you overlay (change) line 5 when you want out of change mode,
use a line containing only a period .
1,$w writes the datset back out ($ means last line in file)
q quits

good luck...

[vidd]

you can also sign in to gnome (or KDE) as root by following these instructions:

• Click "Action"
• Click "Configure Login Manager"
• <enter password for root>
• Click "Security"
• Place a CHECK in the "Allow root login with GDM" <first box>