Debian and Linux installation help

[lohtse]

Hi Folks.

I am keen to get a working linux system up and running on my spare PC(played with knoppix and liked it) Have got a Debian 3.1r4-386 netinst iso on disk and installed it. So I now have a linux based system but with a command line. What do I do from here on in? How do I get A GUI/Desktop interface? How do I get it to boot to that? I know most of this is found on here somewhere but I have spent about 2 hours and have had to reinstall debain 4 times as have messed it up each time. So could some one do a step by step basics guide(with commandline commands) to help me get it up and running..


looking forward to responses

regards
Andrew

[Vergil83]

log in as root on the command line then run

apt-get install x-window-sytem gnome gdm

(replace gnome and gdm with kde and kdm if you prefer that). Next time you reboot a normal gui login should appear!

[jens]

You probably didn't select a desktop-environment during the installation

Log in as root (or type su as your normal user).

For a GNOME desktop, type:
apt-get install x-window-system gdm gnome

For a KDE desktop, type:
apt-get install x-window-system kdm kde

You have many other options but those two are the easiest ones.

EDIT: Vergil types a lot faster than I do

[lohtse]

Hi and thanks for your repies.

I had installed as a desktop environment but only got command line. Also done as instructioned in this post but now I have a shed load of errors refering to keyboard,mouse etc so I still have no gui and yet another reinstallation. I guess this is why most turn back too windows(myself included soon)

regards
Andrew

PS I must say that when I have played with a working linux system(with GUI) I much prefer it to windows. It's this dam installation process thats the killer. If this could be made easier and reliable then more would make the move..

You probably didn't select a desktop-environment during the installation

Log in as root (or type su as your normal user).

For a GNOME desktop, type:
apt-get install x-window-system gdm gnome

For a KDE desktop, type:
apt-get install x-window-system kdm kde

You have many other options but those two are the easiest ones.

EDIT: Vergil types a lot faster than I do

[devils casper]

I had installed as a desktop environment but only got command line.

execute 'startx'. post error message if any.






Casper

[lohtse]

I would but it scrolled up the screen several times so that indicates ALOT of errors. I stated only the ones I could remmember before got fed up. All I can say is that followed instructions on whats above after installation of netinst disk.

regards
Andrew

execute 'startx'. post error message if any.






Casper

[lohtse]

Well after 24hrs(and I mean 24hrs with no sleep) 10 reinstalls, rereading every installation guide and a bald patch from pulling my hair out. I have still had NO success at getting Linux running with a GUI have tried everything!!!! I can get command line based system running with out a single problem but as soon as try for a GUI it nolonger works.Am sorry but unless someone is willing to show me where I'm going wrong(come round and show me) Linux will never be installed on my PC. It's such a dam shame. I really do like what I have seen on Knoppix dvd and others. And I do want it running instead of dam windows but am sorry I can't get it to run.

regards
A disappointed wanabee Linux User
Andrew

[antidrugue]

Debian Sarge is a little old. If your hardware is rather new, or exotic (like a new video card, or a LCD screen), it might not work easily.

If you want to stay with Debian, try Etch, which you can download on the Debian installer page. You probably need the one for i386.

If you want something a bit like Debian but easier, try Ubuntu Edgy.

For many people Linux is a painful experience at first. If you succeed, I am sure it will be a lot of fun in no time.

Good luck !

[lohtse]

HI Folks

Wahoooo, Yipppeeee, Arrroooooooggaaa,Woop,woop woop,

Finally got Linux working with a gui and all seems well as in its working apart from 2 faults. No Sound and a max resolution of 800x600. So how can I sort these faults out?? Am using latest stable debian package(sarge I believe) with KDE/Gnome GUI.. The pcs sound card is a ESS1740 and graphics is a 16meg ATI 128 rage. If I use Knoppix they both work fine so I know that linux supports them. Also How do you install an application that I may see online or in the downloads section here? I know I can use synaptic(can the download locations for this be changed?) thing as already used it.. One finaly question How the heck do you sign in as super user thingy/root in the gui?

Finally thank you to all who have helped. Couldn't have got it working with out you. regards Andrew

[Blueberry]

^ As far as I know, open a terminal and type sudo

Could you help in telling me how you managed to get your GUI working? I'm still stuck without one, though have created a thread on my issue.