Cannot enter the GUI

[Kunal Patel]

I installed fedora 7 on my i586 based machine i am simultaneously also running windows xp. i have two hard drives which have one os each.
when i boot into fedora, it does not take to me the GUI instead it remains in the Shell even after i enter my login and password.
it even asks my login and password in the shell.
since i am completely new to linux, i would be gratified if somebody could help me enter into the GUI.
when i enter my login and password i ramain in the shell i think there might be some command that i need to feed so as to solve the problem.
kindly help.
it would be very great of you if anyone could show a place where i can find the complete set of linux command.

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

Execute startx and post error message here, if any. Post the contents of /etc/inittab file too.

startx
cat /etc/inittab | grep default

[Freston]

Hi and welcome!

With the output of the commands devils_casper gives, there is a good chance to get your GUI up and running. Even if startx brings you to the GUI, the 'cat' command will be able to tell why it didn't boot into GUI in the first place.

Even with GUI functionality, it's always good to know your way around the shell. Bash Guide for Beginners and A guide to modern UNIX systems provide good readable material for that.

Also, the shell has a lot of build in help ('cuz no one knows everything). Some very helpful features are:
man <command> # Gives you the manual page of a command. For example: man ls
apropos <key_word> # Lists all commands that have key_word in their description. For example: apropos editor
Tab-completion # Pressing Tab signals the shell to complete the command or path you are writing. This only works if the shell can find a unique command or path that matches what you have written so far. For example: apr<tab> = apropos -and- cd /h<tab> = cd /home

Pressing Tab twice lists all commands available. Luckily the system is decent enough to prompt if you are sure about this, as there are thousands