For the umpteenth time I'm attempting to set up a Linux-based PC in order to do home office stuff, like write professional- looking reports, image editing and publishing, and webpage development. No games, nothing requiring speed of any kind.
I downloaded several ISO files, succeeded in converting them into readable (and for Disk 1, bootable) CD's with which I installed Debian. That got me to the command prompt. No sign of a GUI anywhere ... Then I got the system to recognize the network (Linksys router, DSL modem, WXP laptop also on the router) and to my astonishment, I managed to "complete" the installation of various packages via the Internet connection. I even FTP'd XFree86's binaries and installed them. However, in spite of looking all over the place for the secret way of starting XFree86, I haven't a clue how to obtain a GUI. Still stuck at the command prompt. No browser, nothing. When the Debian installer is running, there's all sorts of pretty screen colors & displays, but when it's left up to me, I'm still looking at a command prompt. I presume that I must configure XFree86 for my PC and then get the other packages that I'll need - OpenOffice, Gimp, Mozilla - but I need a reference or an explanation in plain English as to how to start that process. My previous attempts at Linux were stopped by having to get drivers without an Internet connection. Things have improved, as nearly all the drivers appear to have been put where they're accessible, thanks to the Debian team. Thanks, George Langford -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
