Starting the Desktop

Message

Mexican_Pirate · #1 Post by **Mexican_Pirate** » 2005-11-12 21:24

So yeah. I'm new to Linux, so don't just assume I'm too stupid to use a computer, because I can do anything with Windows. Anyways, I thought I'd try Linux since I've heard so much about how great it is, plus now my family will avoid my computer like the plague. I just installed Debian as a dual-boot which I felt was a good move since I knew I wouldn't know how to do something, and I kind of wanted to keep all my games that I have installed for Windows. So I installed Debian with the GNUGrub Dual Boot option from the Network Install disc, and when it asked which package I wanted to install, I selected the desktop environment. And then it booted up... in text mode. So yeah, is there some kind of command I can use to start the desktop environment? Because I really don't like text mode.

Arkaein · #2 Post by **Arkaein** » 2005-11-12 22:12

The command to run is "startx". However, if you installed the desktop environment setup and it boots into console you may have a problem with your XOrg (the graphical display system) setup.

Try using startx (as root user if necessary). If it fails as I suspect it will, post the output of your log file. It will be in the /var/log directory, probably called Xorg.0.log.

If startx does not even run as a command, then you don't have an xserver installed, and will need to install one using apt-get.

Mexican_Pirate · #3 Post by **Mexican_Pirate** » 2005-11-12 22:32

Okay, I'll see if that works.

EDIT: "startx" doesn't work. How do I use apt-get?

Scotti · #4 Post by **Scotti** » 2005-11-13 02:51

It sounds like you either didn't select the "desktop environment" properly or something is really wrong.

Try this to make sure. As root try to install the Xserver system:

# apt-get install x-server-system-core

If it says it's already the newest version then it is indeed installed. Else, it'll prompt you to install the xserver system. Do that, and also you'll need to # apt-get install xserver-xfree86 (or xserver-xorg) packages.

Then you need a window manager such as Gnome or KDE (the most popular two). For whichever you want just # apt-get install gnome (or kde). You'll also probably want a nice graphical user/login manager. For that type # apt-get install gdm.

After that you should be good to go.

Mexican_Pirate · #5 Post by **Mexican_Pirate** » 2005-11-13 03:01

Okay. I tried those commands, and thereupon I ran into my problem: I'm using a wireless connection! Since my dad won't let me jack his network cable again, I just need to find out how to connect to the wireless network.